His resignation is effective immediately, and the post will now be taken over by his predecessor, Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
“I am no longer qualified in the eyes of the law to contest in any elections and to hold a post in a political organisation such as PKR, should my appeal be rejected,” the Pandan MP said in a statement today, adding that he will remain as a vice-president.
“Although the appeal process is ongoing, I take seriously PKR’s need to build a strong administrative machinery and party organisation ahead of the 14th general election.
“If I continue as secretary-general, the uncertainty of my qualifications in the eyes of the law will give our political enemies room to hamper the party’s preparations.”
Earlier this month, Rafizi was sentenced to 18 months’ jail by the Sessions Court for leaking the auditor-general’s report on 1MDB, which was classified under the OSA.
Rafizi, who risks losing his parliamentary seat following the decision, is appealing the case.
On April 8, he claimed trial after being slapped with two charges under Sections 8(1)(c) and 8(1)(e)(iii) of the OSA.
It was alleged that he possessed a leaked page from the A-G’s report at a press conference.
He reportedly committed the offence at the Parliament building sometime between March 24 and 28.
“I will focus on recruitment and training election volunteers to win the seats that were taken narrowly by Barisan Nasional, as previously discussed with the president and chairman,” he said.
In announcing Saifuddin’s appointment, PKR president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail revealed that Rafizi had previously declared that he would step down from the post if he was found guilty.
She added the party had prepared itself for such a situation.
The opposition leader also explained that the party decided to appoint Saifuddin due to his vast experience, including during the party’s early years .
Saifuddin was the PKR secretary-general from 2010 to 2014.
“I am confident he will play a vital role in strengthening the party,” Wan Azizah said.