Anwar described Rafizi as ‘a smart young man’ who can mobilise other youths. ― Picture by Saw Siow Feng

KUALA LUMPUR, May 23 — Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has admitted feeling angry at times with PKR vice-president Rafizi Ramli for his criticisms.

In an interview with Oriental Daily, Anwar described Rafizi as “a smart young man” who can mobilise other youths — pointing at the latter’s research group INVOKE — when asked about both Rafizi and PKR deputy president Datuk Seri Azmin Ali.

“As a young man, he has every right to express his views. Sometimes, he gets a bit critical but I’m OK,” Anwar told Oriental Daily.

“I get a bit angry at times but you must allow them room to blossom, not to kill them off like what the previous government did.”

Rafizi recently criticised Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s appointment of senior ministers, pointing at the lack of representation for PKR.

Anwar was later made to issue a statement, pledging PKR’s as well as his full backing of the prime minister.

In addition, Anwar also praised Azmin for becoming the Selangor mentri besar and now economic minister.

“So, I don’t see any problem except they have to make sure they get the right message across,” he said.

The PKR de facto leader was, however, non-committal when asked about who he would prefer to lead the party.

“I want both Rafizi and Azmin to be at what they are doing now, working together to support the reform agenda — under Anwar Ibrahim,” he added.