So, PKR wants to sue Rafizi Ramli over a RM10 million bond which the party says he breached by vacating his Pandan seat and leaving the party.
I would advise them not to. Why? Because PKR risks losing far more than it stands to gain from such action.
Rafizi has long mastered the art of playing victim, and did just that after failing to defend his deputy presidency in the party polls.
A RM10 million lawsuit will transform the “victim” into a “martyr.” Sympathy will flow his way, and PKR will be branded a bully.
A seasoned politician would exploit this scenario to the hilt and PKR would do well not to hand Rafizi such ammunition on a silver platter.
Also, precedent suggests that PKR may not reap the financial windfall it expects.
When the party sued Ampang MP Zuraida Kamaruddin for RM10 million after she defected to join Bersatu, the Court of Appeal slashed the award to just RM100,000.
If that happens, the damages awarded would likely pale in comparison to the political mileage Rafizi and gang could extract from a protracted legal battle.
PKR once resisted Rafizi’s provocations when he dared the party to sack him after losing the deputy presidency. By refusing, PKR came out looking magnanimous.
They should adopt the same stance now. Rafizi’s resignation as MP and departure from PKR is, in fact, a win-win. He is no longer a thorn in the party’s side, and PKR can move forward without distraction.
If Pakatan Harapan eventually parts ways with Barisan Nasional-Umno, voters will likely weigh PH against Rafizi’s new vehicle, Parti Bersama Malaysia.
In such a contest, strength and track record matter. PH has already delivered some reforms through the unity government. Can Bersama match that? Will voters rally behind leaders who admit they may retire as failures?
By refusing to sue, PKR will deprive Rafizi of the victim card and force him to prove his worth on policy and performance.
There’s one more angle. Rafizi and Nik Nazmi’s resignations may haunt them if crucial bills—such as limiting the prime minister’s term—fail to secure the necessary votes.
They will eventually have to explain their refusal to support these bills to their constituents. Forgiveness cannot be guaranteed and voters may want to teach them a lesson. Fence-sitters especially may view such actions as irresponsible.
PKR must weigh the repercussions carefully. Suing Rafizi and Nik Nazmi may feel like justice, but risks turning them into martyrs without even the joy of financial rewards.
Maybe PKR ought to heed Sun Tzu’s timeless counsel: “He will win who knows when to fight and when not to fight.”
The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of FMT.