Fadzli said Rafizi’s open criticism against several party leaders, including newly-elected PKR Youth chief Kamil Munim, could divide the party.

“This could harm the harmony and unity of the party, especially when the spirit of democracy, openness, and mutual respect should be celebrated during this party election,” he said in a Facebook post.

Fadzli, who is also vying for a seat in the central PKR Youth leadership council, said many youth wing candidates had demonstrated political maturity in their campaigns.

He said he has not heard any personal attack or baseless accusation being thrown around by his competitors.

However, he said “Rafizi’s approach to his campaign appears to be inconsistent with the healthy democratic spirit which we often advocate in PKR”.

He said slanderous and outdated modes of politics should be rejected. “Present sound arguments, fresh proposals, and unifying ideas to allow grassroots to evaluate you as a candidate,” he urged Rafizi.

Earlier, Selangor PKR Youth chief Izuan Kasim urged Rafizi not to drag the youth wing into the heated contest for the PKR deputy president’s post.

Izuan’s remarks came after Rafizi accused the current youth leadership of lacking the energy and resolve shown by previous generations.

Rafizi, who is also economy minister, is being challenged by Nurul Izzah Anwar for the PKR deputy president’s post. The PKR central leadership elections will be held on May 23.