Anwar's call for 'old guard' return not for us, says Rafizi Ramli

PKR President Anwar Ibrahim's call for veteran party members to rejoin the struggle has sparked discussion about who the "old guard" refers to. PKR leader Rafizi Ramli believes the appeal is not directed at him or Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, who are younger.

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I am still young, so I don't fall into that category. I didn't even watch the speech. I can't read his intentions on whether when he says 'old guard,' he is referring to me and Nik Nazmi.

Instead, Rafizi suggested Ibrahim's call might be for former leaders such as Tian Chua and Dr. Xavier Jayakumar, or even some who previously aligned with Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali. "I am still young, so I don't fall into that category," Rafizi told reporters after the announcement of Bersama candidates for the Melaka state election. "I didn't even watch the speech. I can't read his intentions on whether when he says 'old guard,' he is referring to me and Nik Nazmi."

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Or I am more inclined to feel he is referring to groups like Tian Chua, Dr. Xavier, and some of the group that was with Datuk Seri Azmin Ali before, not us.

Rafizi elaborated on the candidate selection process for the upcoming Melaka polls. He explained that the process began during the Johor state election, with applications opening to interested individuals. The party has a list of applicants nationwide, and the shortlisting for Melaka candidates was completed before the Johor polls concluded.

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Shortlisted candidates then undergo background checks, interviews, and training before official announcement.

"Shortlisted candidates then undergo background checks, interviews, and training before official announcement," Rafizi said. "They have been training as candidates for a week, receiving legal and public speaking training. They've also had briefings on political campaigns. So, the candidate selection process wasn't long because we knew in advance and have a system for it." He added that announcing candidates earlier than in Johor allows them more time to campaign and introduce themselves to voters.

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They have been training as candidates for a week, receiving legal and public speaking training. They've also had briefings on political campaigns. So, the candidate selection process wasn't long because we knew in advance and have a system for it.