KUALA LUMPUR: A senior PKR leader known for her stinging jabs against a controversial party colleague has come out with guns blazing on his latest allegations against pro-opposition activist Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan’s involvement in the infamous “Kajang Move” in 2014.
In a statement believed to be directed at PKR vice-president Rafizi Ramli, party central leadership committee member Latheefa Koya said that the Kajang by-election was strongly opposed by Ambiga – as Rafizi was well aware – leading him to “pretend” to apologise to her over the matter, largely as a result of the backlash against the Kajang Move’s objective of removing Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim as Selangor Menteri Besar.
“At that time, Ambiga had openly criticised the Kajang Move, and strongly advised against it. Rafizi then pretended to apologise publicly, and claimed he would explain (the matter) to the people. Now, (Rafizi’s) tune (has) changed.
“He claims now – like a really sly, cunning fellow – that Ambiga also gave him some documents, insinuating that Ambiga partook in the (campaign to remove) Khalid Ibrahim – when in fact (Rafizi) knows very well she was never involved in that or any other party plans or agenda,” Latheefa said.
In a stunning report yesterday, Rafizi claimed that Ambiga had provided him with a document which eventually “formed one of the key considerations that led to PKR’s decision to remove Khalid”.
Latheefa said contrary to what was presented to the public, the by-election was held to block PKR deputy president Datuk Seri Azmin Ali’s possible ascension as Selangor Menteri Besar.
She said Rafizi, the Kajang Move engineer and his “sidekick”, believed to be PKR secretary-general Datuk Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, had arranged for the by-election to take place without the consent and knowledge of other party leaders.
“Why did the Kajang Move happen? Because (Rafizi) wanted to make sure Azmin, who was then already a state assemblyman, would not be (made) MB. (Rafizi) and his sidekick (had) secretly planned it all, (and) none of (the plans for the by-election) was ever brought for approval to party meetings.
“Even the political bureau knew nothing of it! They convinced (PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri) Anwar (Ibrahim) that both parties – DAP and Pas – had agreed (to it),” she added.
Latheefa pointed out that Pas had never agreed with the engineering of the by-election, although the engineer’s ‘sidekick’ claimed to have received blessings from late Pas spiritual leader, Datuk Nik Aziz Nik Mat.
“In fact, Nik Aziz had asked for a dossier with all the details as to why (Khalid) must be removed to be given to him. Instead, this joker and his sidekick decided to go on a roadshow with the dossier. For this, his sidekick was sued and had to pathetically apologise in court!
“But one thing (is) for sure. Pas president (Datuk Seri Abdul) Hadi (Awang) had never agreed. What did this ‘budak’ (Rafizi) do then? He immediately revealed that prior to the GE13 (13th general election), Hadi never wanted Anwar as PM and that in fact, Hadi wanted KuLi (Umno stalwart Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah).
“This so-called revelation was unnecessary, (and it) infuriated Hadi. This was the beginning of bad blood between Pas and Rafizi,” she said.
Latheefa said a public forum was also held to gauge views between groups that were against holding the by-election, and those who were supportive of the move.
“A small public forum was held at UBU (between) pro-Kajang Move people and anti-Kajang Move (groups), like PSM (Parti Sosialis Malaysia). Although (just a faction from PKR, we) didn’t agree (with holding the by-election). (But) in a true spirit of comradeship, we went there in solidarity with (Rafizi).
“(But) he couldn’t convince the critical crowd – and shed tears,” she added.
In panning the Kajang Move engineer further, Latheefa said he did not take into account the possibility of Anwar – who was about to be fielded as PKR’s candidate in the by-election – being convicted of sodomy.
“After that, we went to Bangsar for tea at Devi’s Corner. There, I asked him: ‘Hey, what if (Anwar) is convicted (because at that time, Anwar's trial was still being fixed for case management). You know what his answer was? ‘OOPS I DIDNT THINK OF THAT!’ Will he now deny saying that to me??!” she said.
Latheefa labelled the Kajang Move engineer as a “deceiver” and that no political party should tolerate his “destructive” behaviour.
“Yes. The architect of the fatal Kajang Move is now trying push the blame on to people like Ambiga, who had opposed it then. He can’t fool me (as) I was there throughout the whole sorry episode.
“I restrained myself from speaking, so as not to have public spats. But this boy continues to issue press statements in total breach of party discipline, and damaging the party’s (image) everywhere.
“He's been getting prime time (coverage) on TV3 for the whole of last week. No political party can tolerate this kind of destructive element within the party,” Latheefa added.