Latheefa and Rafizi are believed to be on the opposite sides of the debate in PKR on the need to continue talks on an electoral pact with its former ally, PAS.
In the past week, Latheefa has made scathing remarks on social media against a certain PKR leader without mentioning names, though Rafizi, when pressed by the media, said the posts were obviously aimed at him.
Yesterday, Latheefa spoke on the “Kajang Move” which eventually led to the ousting of former Selangor menteri besar Khalid Ibrahim and his replacement by Azmin.
Without naming anyone, she claimed the “architect” of the “Kajang Move” made it happen as a strategy to prevent Azmin from getting the post.
Azmin declined to comment on Latheefa’s claim, saying it was a party matter.
“I will not speak on party matters because our main focus is to prepare for the next general election (G14),” he told a press conference after the launch of the Selangor International Business Summit.
“I implore all party leaders to avoid squabbling in public, more so with the media being unfriendly to the opposition.”
Azmin said all leaders must close ranks in facing GE14, adding that national interests were more important than differences of opinions.
He added that there would always be differences in a party, noting that former United States President Barack Obama described democracy as a “noisy process”.
“The media spins and twists, but that’s part of a democratic process and I have to accept that.
“But as leaders we have to manage differences responsibly, manage it internally and not make noise outside the party.”
Azmin said the people wanted political parties to be united to bring change.
“I think this is the aspiration of the people, they don’t like us to bicker in public.
“I am confident that our party president and the party can resolve all problems internally,” he said, adding this included the issue of working with PAS.
When asked how he was managing attacks on him over PKR’s wooing of PAS which he was supposedly leading, Azmin said the key was being patient and resolute.
“When we are patient and resolute, God will grant us victory.”
On Aug 26, Azmin said he had engaged with PAS leaders on the issue of cooperation not in his personal capacity but based on the party’s decision.
However, PKR secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution later denied there was such a decision made at the party level.
The move also did not sit well with some other leaders, including Selayang MP William Leong who resigned from the political bureau, the highest decision-making body in PKR.
PKR vice president Rafizi Ramli also openly questioned Azmin for holding discussions with PAS even though the Islamist party had announced it was ready to force three-cornered fights with Pakatan Harapan (PH) components and Umno in the election.