Fekirie Gobet, the state chapter’s deputy communications director, described the suggestion as divisive and accused Syed Badli of undermining PKR president Anwar Ibrahim’s earlier endorsement of Rafizi to be retained.

“This intention (by Anwar) is clearly not welcomed by those who want to turn this election into a ‘civil war’,” he said in a statement today.

“Syed Badli, who only recently assumed the position of division chief, is already showing disrespect and trying to undermine the party president’s call for a peaceful and united election process, especially when Sabah is preparing for a state election.”

In March, Rafizi said he would defend the PKR deputy presidency, a post he was elected to in 2022 after defeating Saifuddin with a landslide 16,668-vote majority.

However, there were rumours swirling last week that Rafizi had resigned as economy minister, after the defeat of several bigwigs believed aligned to him in the PKR divisional polls.

Anwar later played down Rafizi’s leave, while Saifuddin has been coy on whether he will contest the PKR central leadership elections.

Fekirie also slammed attempts to politicise Rafizi’s absence, saying it should not be misrepresented as a protest over the party’s internal dynamics.

“Let this election be a family-like contest that allows members to choose their leaders calmly, without interference from divisive figures like the Titiwangsa division chief,” he said.

More Nurul Izzah backers push for her to challenge Rafizi

Meanwhile, lobbying for Nurul Izzah Anwar to contest the number two post is gaining momentum, with Pulai division chief Faezuddin Puad and Pahang PKR chairman Rizal Jamin joining the fray in publicly backing her.

Perak PKR had earlier declared their support for Nurul Izzah, who will be contesting the vice-presidency.

Both highlighted her experience in party and government leadership roles, saying she had the track record and calibre to strengthen PKR’s top leadership.