PKR strategic director’s sudden resignation sparks outcry

(The Star) – PKR strategic director Rafizi Ramli has quit as chief executive of the Selangor state economic advisory office, citing his wish to concentrate on party work.

His sudden resignation, which takes effect immediately, had tongues wagging, especially in cyberspace, with some blaming it on the squabble between party deputy president Azmin Ali and the Selangor state leadership led by Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim.

Supporters of Azmin claimed that Rafizi was being forced out and they blamed Khalid’s political secretary Faekah Husin as being responsible.

Rafizi, however, has denied this, saying he quit because he wanted to concentrate on party work as the general election was imminent.

Despite his denial, Azmin’s supporters continued with their attack on Faekah, stating that she must ans-wer for the sudden departure of Rafizi.

They pointed out that Rafizi was the one who exposed the National Feedlot Corporation (NFCorp) financial scandal which eventually led to the departure of Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil from the Cabinet.

Selangor Barisan Nasional state coordinator Datuk Seri Mohd Zin Mohamed said the leadership crisis in the state government was getting worse.

“Rafizi’s resignation is a clear indication of this crisis.

“They are making all sorts of accusations against BN but the truth is they are just hiding their own weaknesses,” said Mohd Zin.

The fight between Azmin and Khalid came to a head last week when supporters of the former launched a campaign via Twitter to oust Faekah.

Differences of opinion between Azmin and Khalid led to PKR splitting its administrative and political leadership portfolios in the state in 2010. Azmin was appointed as state party chief and Khalid retained executive powers as mentri besar.