Former Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli has claimed that the top leadership of Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) is signaling his imminent ouster from the party, following a rare visit by Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim to his Pandan constituency.
During a late-night commentary on his podcast channel, the vocal MP alleged that the Prime Minister’s presence in Pandan—the first such visit of its kind—serves as a clear indicator that Rafizi is being sidelined.
The “renegade” party member further ranted that he expects to be replaced as the candidate for Pandan in the next general election by Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, the newly appointed PKR state chief and former Trade Minister.
Tengku Zafrul, who officially joined PKR in 2025, was recently appointed to the party’s powerful Political Bureau as an ex-officio member. His rapid ascent within the party hierarchy has fueled rumors that he is being groomed for a high-profile parliamentary seat, with Pandan now appearing to be the primary target.
Rafizi’s remarks come amidst intensifying internal friction within PKR. Several party leaders have recently called for his resignation, accusing the former deputy president of being “arrogant” and attempting to “undermine the party from within” through his public commentaries.
Johor PKR leaders, including Datuk Seri Dr. Zaliha Mustafa, issued a joint statement warning that Rafizi’s public allegations are no longer mere “differences of opinion” but are actively disrupting party harmony and stability.
Rafizi revealed in March that he had been served a show-cause letter by the party leadership regarding his public remarks, though he claimed at the time that no further disciplinary action was taken beyond a reminder to follow party rules.
Despite the apparent pressure, Rafizi has vowed to defend his Pandan seat in GE16, though he notably hinted that he might not do so as a PKR candidate.
“I have already decided that I will stay in Pandan. How I will contest there remains a secret,” he stated, laughing off suggestions that he would go quietly. The move marks a dramatic fracture in the relationship between Rafizi and his long-time mentor, Anwar Ibrahim, as the party prepares for its National Congress in June 2026.
