SHAH ALAM – Former PKR deputy president Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli should not leave the party despite his recent defeat in the party elections.
Former Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin acknowledged that Rafizi possesses strong resilience and can still contribute ideas and energy even without holding a key position.
The former lawmaker stated that Rafizi’s current situation differs slightly from his own experience: the Economy Minister lost while defending his post in PKR, whereas Khairy was sacked from Umno after contesting the presidency.
"I was sacked from Umno, whereas Rafizi lost in the PKR election. Previously, I contested for the Umno presidency but lost to Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi in 2018.
"At that time, I chose to remain in Umno. When I was sacked, I had no choice because the decision had been made to strip me of my membership. I had no issue with the party; I merely offered myself to contest the presidency.
"My relationship with Zahid (Umno chairman) remained good. So, to Rafizi, keep fighting!
"I see no reason or need for him to leave PKR or to form a new party because I know how committed he has been to the PKR struggle since its early days," he said.
He said this during a visit to the Karangkraf Group Complex here on Tuesday. Also present were Karangkraf Group Adviser Datuk Hussamuddin Yaacub; Grup Buku Karangkraf Chief Executive Officer, Firdaus Hussamuddin and Sinar Karangkraf Group Chief Executive Officer Farah Hussamuddin.
In the 2025 PKR Central Leadership Election, Rafizi lost to Nurul Izzah Anwar, who secured 9,803 votes, while he garnered 3,866 votes.
The Pandan MP previously lost the race for the PKR deputy presidency in 2018 to former Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali.
However, he made a comeback with a victory in the 2022 party election, defeating former PKR secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution.
Khairy also opined that Rafizi should not step down from his position as Economy Minister, as he is seen as capable of leading the ministry effectively.
"He mentioned that, as a matter of principle, someone holding a senior position in a party that forms the Unity Government should relinquish their ministerial role if they no longer hold a party post. But in my view, that isn’t necessarily the case because many are appointed to ministerial roles based on their capabilities, even if they hold no influence within the party.
"Ministerial appointments are made not only based on party positions but also on the individual’s credibility and ability," he said.