It was a close call for the outspoken former PKR deputy president as 42 division members voted against the motion to sack or suspend Rafizi as Pandan PKR chief – just eight more than the 34 who were for it.

A source told FMT that the two-term MP did not attend the Pandan PKR AGM.

FMT has reached out to Rafizi for comment.

When contacted, Pandan PKR Youth deputy chief Haqimi Zamri said the motion was tabled by members who wanted to wrest control of the division from Rafizi.

However, he said the majority of Pandan PKR grassroots remained loyal to Rafizi.

Haqimi added that Rafizi’s absence at the AGM was not an issue as he had already informed the division that he would not be attending the meeting, but still respected it.

“It may look like a small majority, but that’s because those of us who support Rafizi weren’t fully mobilised. So this is a meaningful victory for Rafizi,” he said.

During the divisional elections last year, Rafizi retained the Pandan PKR chief’s post for a third consecutive term by garnering 883 votes, nearly double the 444 ballots received by his only challenger, Shahrom Musa.

Rafizi has been publicly critical of the government and PKR after losing the race for the PKR deputy presidency and resigning as economy minister in May 2025.

In February, he was issued a show-cause letter by PKR for saying he would defend his Pandan parliamentary seat in the next general election but was unlikely to contest as a PKR candidate.

Rafizi has remained coy about his plans after Parliament is dissolved but has repeatedly hinted at leaving PKR, though he has said he would not form a new party or join a “third force”.

It is understood that these statements made by Rafizi were the reason for the motion tabled against him.