He also congratulated other potential winners such as Setiawangsa MP Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad and Tanjong Malim MP Chang Lih Kang, who are among those contesting the four posts of vice-president.

“Even though the results are not yet official, I would like to convey my congratulations to Rafizi, Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, Chang Lih Kang and other winners,” Saifuddin said in an online posting.

Nik Nazmi, Chang and Negeri Sembilan PKR leader Aminuddin Harun are viewed as being aligned to Rafizi.

Saifuddin urged PKR members to respect the election results, saying: “It is the democratic practice to determine who gets elected.”

Previously, he stated that there would be no split in the party as a result of the contest between him and Rafizi, a vice-president and former MP for Pandan.

Saifuddin said he would now focus on ensuring the party’s national congress proceeds smoothly next month, where the election results will be made official, and about 3,000 delegates will choose 20 members of the central leadership council.

“When the process is completed, PKR president Anwar Ibrahim will have a complete leadership line-up. The next task is for the new leadership to prepare for the 15th general election,” he added.

The PKR elections for the 2022-2025 term officially ended today, after a staggered election process. Official results are to be announced next month, however, unofficial results from all divisions will be posted on the PKR website from today.

The results for all states and federal territories, except Sarawak, had been announced by 8.30pm today.

Rafizi secured the majority of votes in Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Kelantan, Kedah, Sabah, Johor, Perak, Pahang, Penang, and the federal territories, but trailed Saifuddin in Perlis and Sabah.