“I am here to be accountable to voters” – Rafizi Reveals He Will Defend Pandan Seat in GE16

However, he refused to reveal whether he will contest as an independent candidate.

Datuk seri rafizi ramli

Rafizi, who is also the MP for Pandan, told Sin Chew Daily in an exclusive interview that this June marks exactly one year since he resigned as the Minister of Economy. He feels it is the best time to decide his political direction, and he is prepared to face any party disciplinary action at any moment, including suspension or expulsion.

“I believe one year is enough time for me to observe public sentiment, meet the people, and decide my next steps. The general election is not far away, it could be within a year or even sooner,” he shared.

“I owe a responsibility to the voters of Pandan and to my supporters nationwide. They will want to know whether I will contest in the next general election, and in what capacity.”

“PKR has forgotten its original purpose. It no longer carries its initial hopes. I joined the party because of its progressive, multiracial, professional, and open ideals and values.”

“Back then, we relied on progressiveness, outspokenness, and boldness to win votes. But after winning votes and taking power to become prime minister, many of these traits have disappeared. All Anwar wants is for everyone to believe in him,” he added.

Datuk seri anwar ibrahim

He believes that the major changes in PKR are largely due to the party coming into power, after which Anwar shifted his focus entirely to government operations

He explained, “In such a structure, dissenting voices in the party become difficult. But I am not a civil servant. I am not here to ‘serve the Prime Minister’, I am here to be accountable to voters.”

“However, in his (Anwar’s) eyes, independent thinking is not a trait of a ‘good party member’; a good party member must cooperate with the party president who is also the prime minister.”