“I think he is coming. He didn’t inform me personally (about not coming), but (as) deputy president, I assume he is coming,” he told reporters after casting his vote in the PKR central leadership council election.

Anwar pointed out that Rafizi was present at the recent Cabinet meeting and presented his ideas.

On another front, Anwar addressed the issue of approving candidates for party positions, which has stirred debate after Rafizi proposed tightening the rules.

Anwar said he had chosen not to reject any of the applications that were processed and submitted by the party headquarters, as it could “become an issue”

“I told the leadership council, if they bring it to me, I don’t want to filter it because that would be a problem,” he said.

“So, for everyone who submitted their applications in accordance with party rules and had it processed by the headquarters, I approved them all.”

However, he said that the proposal would be discussed further in the new central leadership council meeting.

Rafizi had suggested that only members who have been with the party for at least five years be allowed to contest, arguing it would strengthen discipline and ensure loyalty within PKR ranks.

Rafizi said the current system allowed newcomers to jump straight into leadership roles, sometimes with the approval of the party president, when they should “start from the bottom”.

Sungai Buloh MP R Ramanan, a former MIC treasurer-general, joined PKR in 2020 after quitting the Indian-based party six years earlier. Ramanan is vying for the post of vice-president at this year’s party polls.