PETALING JAYA, Nov 25 — Pandan MP Rafizi Ramli today resigned as PKR secretary-general following uncertainty over his political future due to a guilty verdict under the Official Secrets Act (OSA).

PKR president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail announced today that former secretary general Datuk Saifuddin Nasution will take charge as secretary-general again effective tomorrow.

Rafizi was sentenced for 18 months in jail by the Sessions Court after being convicted on two counts under OSA on November 14. He has appealed the decision at the High Court.

Dr Wan Azizah said that Rafizi is being unfairly punished for exposing wrongdoings.

Rafizi was convicted under OSA for making public documents from the Auditor General’s Report on 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) during a press conference in March this year.

His 18-month prison sentence will disqualify him as MP if he fails to appeal his case. Even if he remains MP, he would not be able to contest the next general election unless his conviction is vacated in time for the polls.

"He has said this (possibility) over a year ago. I have discussed with the de facto leader (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) and he has agreed,” she said.

Rafizi said that he will continue as party vice-president until he exhausts his appeal process.

"The uncertainty over my qualification (for the next GE) can be used by our political enemies,” Rafizi, who was also present, said.

He said he decided to relinquish his post as it was the third highest post in the party, and oversees all administrative process.

"I will focus on recruiting volunteers for the party machinery in seats that are marginal for the elections,” he added.

Rafizi became PKR secretary-general in October following a long drawn out party elections, succeeding Saifuddin himself.

Saifuddin had contested for deputy presidency and lost the battle to current Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali.