PARTY TURBULENCE
It is the political fallout that poses a greater threat to PKR’s cohesion and Anwar’s leadership.
Both Rafizi and Nik Nazmi are now freed from Cabinet collective responsibility that conventionally requires ministers to publicly support government decisions even if they personally disagree. They can now openly critique key government policies, which will be a direct aim at Anwar as prime minister.
As MPs, they retain parliamentary platforms to voice dissent, potentially rallying Anwar’s detractors within PKR.
This internal discord comes at a precarious time. The Sabah state election is due in the next six months and PKR’s weak presence in the East Malaysian state can easily be undermined by federal-level divisions.
The 16th General Election (GE16) is due by 2027. Failure to unify PKR and achieve a strong electoral performance could place the blame squarely on Anwar, particularly for his support of Nurul Izzah in taking over as number two causing party turbulence.
The most severe risk would be the potential departure of Rafizi and Nik Nazmi from PKR, along with their reformist supporters. Rafizi, in particular, commands significant loyalty among the party’s “reformasi” base, and his exit could destabilise PKR, reminiscent of Azmin Ali’s defection during the Sheraton Move in 2020.
ANWAR’S STRATEGIC OPTIONS
Anwar must act swiftly to contain the fallout if he is to avoid crisis.
Offering Rafizi and Nik Nazmi senior roles within the party, government or government-linked companies could signal reconciliation. Party insiders think this is likely: Appointing Rafizi to a non-elected position poses less risk within PKR.
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