Reform Not Dependent On Govt Posts Pkr Ideals Bigger Than Anwar Rafizi

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Former PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli has decried the notion that government posts are essential for reform, stressing that lasting change must come from society itself.
In a social media post today following his defeat to Nurul Izzah Anwar for the party’s number two post last night, Rafizi said he has never believed that holding a government position is the only way to achieve PKR’s ideals.
“I did not join PKR for public office or ministerial positions - let alone for financial gain,” the economy minister said in a lengthy message, in which he also admitted that his loss has affected him.
“Society must change faster than the government in order to realise a multiracial, progressive Malaysia - a goal that remains a work in progress.
“We have made substantial contributions to the coming of age of Malaysians as a mature society, yet we are still far from achieving the ideal we espoused,” he added.
‘Ideals outlast individuals’
Noting that he has stayed with the party for nearly 27 years, outlasting many of its pioneers and senior members, as he believes PKR’s goals are far from complete, Rafizi added that the party’s ideals are likely to outlast prime minister and PKR president Anwar Ibrahim.
“I understand that Anwar’s fate is intertwined with PKR’s, but I believe PKR’s relevance transcends Anwar or any one personality. Leaders come and go, but the ideal endures,” he said.
PKR president Anwar IbrahimHe added that when he first joined the reformasi movement, he was driven by an ideal to see the first democratic change of government, as he believed in competition and a multiracial, progressive Malaysia.
“I believe the public deserves the best set of people to run the government. Competition promotes merit and keeps politicians on their toes. It is an antidote to rampant corruption (and) prepares us to be an outstanding member of the global market. 
“Multiracialism opens our minds to competition. It allows us to learn from one another and adopt the best practices. It builds empathy and compassion,” he said.
Rafizi had previously vowed to resign from his ministerial post if he failed to defend his PKR deputy presidency.
Last night, PKR election committee chief Dr Zaliha Mustafa confirmed Nurul Izzah’s victory against Rafizi, who had earlier made a “solo walk” into the national congress hall at the Persada International Convention Centre.
Newly elected PKR deputy president Nurul Izzah AnwarNurul Izzah garnered 9,803 votes to secure the PKR deputy presidency against incumbent Rafizi’s 3,866 votes.
A total of 32,030 delegates are eligible to vote in the PKR central leadership election for the 2025-2028 term. - Mkini

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