KUALA LUMPUR: No disciplinary action has been taken against PKR vice-president Rafizi Ramli for publicising the infighting among the party’s leaders over the formation of a political pact with Pas.
Denying news reports that a "stern warning" and threat of possible expulsion was issued against Rafizi, PKR secretary-general Datuk Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said no such disciplinary case was brought to the party's political bureau last week.
"The (news) reports, which quoted a party source, is untrue and I would like to encourage the media to get news from legitimate party sources.
"PKR will not lose its focus in preparing for the general election and I urge party members to pool their support and strengthen the party, instead of (heeding) rumours which aim to play off one (member) against another," Saifuddin said in a statement.
On Friday, Chinese daily Sin Chew Daily reported that Rafizi had been slapped with a “stern warning” and risks expulsion from the party if he continues to reveal its infighting.
Quoting a party source, the vernacular paper said Rafizi was issued a verbal warning following his latest statement over purported disputes between PKR camps which are at odds over the formation of a political pact with Pas for the upcoming 14th general election (GE14).
The source said the reprimand was issued based on advice from jailed PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to the party’s political bureau.
In the statement, Rafizi, who has been vocal in his opposition to forming an alliance with Pas, named PKR deputy president Datuk Seri Azmin Ali; and vice-presidents Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin, Tian Chua, Dr Xavier Jayakumar and Dr Shaharuddin Badaruddin as being in talks with the Islamic party.
Rafizi said other than himself, PKR members opposed to courting Pas include Saifuddin, PKR Youth chief Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, PKR information chief Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh and PKR disciplinary board chairman Brig Gen (Rtd) Datuk Abdul Hadi Abdul Khattab.