Anwar Declines to Comment on Rafizi and Nik Nazmi’s Move to Parti Bersama Malaysia
Anwar Ibrahim has declined to elaborate on the latest political developments involving former senior Parti Keadilan Rakyat leaders Mohd. Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, who recently announced their takeover of Parti Bersama Malaysia as their new political platform.
When approached by reporters for comments regarding the matter, Anwar gave only a brief response, saying he was not following the developments closely.
“I am not following,” he said shortly after attending the Prime Minister’s Goodwill Programme with residents at Taman Desa Mutiara People’s Housing Project (PPR).
The remarks came after Rafizi and Nik Nazmi unveiled their new political direction during a special event held in Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
During the event, both former PKR leaders confirmed their decision to leave the party and announced plans to take over Parti Bersama Malaysia, also known as the Malaysian United Party (MUP).
The party was reportedly registered in Penang on December 2, 2016 and is expected to serve as the foundation for what Rafizi and Nik Nazmi described as a new “third force” in Malaysian politics.
Besides announcing their exit from PKR, both politicians also declared that they would vacate their parliamentary seats effective tomorrow.
Rafizi stated that official letters regarding the decision would be submitted to Johari Abdul to formally notify Parliament of the vacancies involving the Pandan and Setiawangsa constituencies.
The move by the two former Cabinet ministers has attracted major attention in the national political arena given their previous influence within PKR and the Unity Government.
Rafizi has long been recognised as one of PKR’s key political strategists and campaign architects since the early reform movement years, while Nik Nazmi has often been viewed as one of the party’s progressive younger leaders.
Their departure from PKR and decision to establish a new political platform are expected to influence Malaysia’s political landscape, particularly among urban voters and reform-minded supporters.
Although Anwar chose not to comment further, political observers continue to view the development as one of the most significant internal shifts within PKR in recent years.
Analysts also noted that Rafizi and Nik Nazmi’s decision to vacate their parliamentary seats is unusual in Malaysian politics, as lawmakers who leave their parties often retain their seats until the next general election.
Should the Speaker officially confirm the vacancies, by-elections are expected to be held for both the Pandan and Setiawangsa parliamentary constituencies.
At the same time, the emergence of Parti Bersama Malaysia as a new political vehicle is expected to introduce fresh dynamics into Malaysia’s political competition ahead of the next general election.
-wilayah.com.my
