PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli declared he would step down as economy minister if he loses his position in the upcoming PKR election.
However, his potential resignation pales in comparison to his scathing attack on the party and its leaders for abandoning the Reformasi agenda, highlighting deeper concerns within PKR’s leadership.
In a candid episode of his Yang Bakar Menteri podcast, the Minister of Economy expressed relief at the prospect of him losing to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s daughter, Nurul Izzah, saying it would free him from ministerial burdens and allow him to speak freely.
But speaking freely, he did during the podcast, which drew a significantly large crowd who came in person at the event at the MBSJ hall in Serdang.
He highlighted his frustration at staying silent on issues like Azam Baki’s reappointment as MACC chief and UMNO Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh’s remarks, including the relocation of the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman Temple.
As a regular MP, Rafizi said, he could finally voice his opinions without fear of sparking cabinet disputes. The audience gave the Minister of Economy a massive ovation for speaking the truth.
Rafizi also warned that Nurul Izzah Anwar’s candidacy for the party’s deputy presidency will fuel rival accusations of nepotism.
Speaking without fear, Rafizi acknowledged that Nurul Izzah would present her own case. However, he cautioned that the party must brace for public scrutiny and opposition attacks over perceived favoritism.
“We cannot escape the nepotism issue,” Rafizi said, expressing concern about public perception harming PKR’s image. He urged the party to prepare for tough questions from the rakyat as the election looms.
In another segment of the podcast, he criticised election committee chairman Dr Zaliha Mustafa for mishandling the party’s divisional elections, where many of his allies lost.
He accused her of ignoring hundreds of members’ objections and failing to ensure the committee’s independence.
Rafizi highlighted a major oversight in the Jempol division chief contest, which was redone after the winner was revealed as a Pejuang leader. He also noted claims of an UMNO member winning, urging the secretary-general Fuziah Salleh to act.
Rafizi called for reforms in PKR’s internal polls, emphasising that future election committee chairs must address objections seriously to prevent such issues. —May 11, 2025
Main image: Rafizi Ramli (Facebook)
