Rafizi, who is defending his number two post, said while the selection process had so far been peaceful with “no chairs being thrown”, it was important for the party to conclude the exercise swiftly and return to the business of governing.
“But you can’t expect something that is not right (in the party) to be swept under the carpet on the basis of party stability.
“You must allow debates, whether inside or outside. That should be the responsibility of the new leadership, as that is the core ideal of PKR,” he told reporters after casting his ballot for the central leadership council elections.
He added that the next leadership must preserve PKR’s reformist identity and not become a party that follows orders unquestioningly.
“I don’t think members will just blindly follow. If there are issues, it is the responsibility of the new leadership to resolve them while preserving PKR’s core essence,” he said.
He warned that if the party obeyed everything blindly, “the problem won’t just be inside PKR – PKR might lose credibility as a reformist party”.
Voting for the central leadership council concluded at 5pm, with the participation of over 30,000 delegates.
The official results are expected to be announced by tomorrow afternoon.
Rafizi acknowledged concerns over the system but urged members to accept the outcome of the polls and avoid prolonging the internal “polemics”.
“I don’t mind winning or losing, but everyone must have confidence in the process. A large number of our members have just surrendered to the situation. We need to move on and return to our main duty: governing the country,” he added.
Separately Rafizi confirmed his attendance at the opening of the party’s national congress tonight.
“I will be there tonight, and I will also attend (the congress) tomorrow. Why wouldn’t I attend?” he said.
Rafizi had declined to officiate the opening of the party’s Youth and Wanita congress last night, citing principles over politics.
He said his decision stemmed from a breach of party protocol after the Sabah PKR election machinery launch was allegedly announced without prior discussion by the party’s political bureau or central leadership council.