FORMER economy minister and PKR MP Rafizi Ramli stated on his podcast “Yang Berhenti Menteri” that he would rather resign from the Cabinet than remain a “lame duck” minister unable to voice differing opinions.
Now that he is free to voice differing opinions, he took a swipe at the Education Ministry, questioning, “Where’s the major policy framework (from the ministry)? But they’re busy talking about someone who resigned.”
He said their bickering about his resignation annoyed him, and after two years and a half, the ministry in question has nothing to show.
He stepped down after losing the PKR deputy presidency to Nurul Izzah Anwar, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s daughter, believing it signalled Anwar’s lack of confidence in his leadership.
Rafizi argued that staying on as a minister in the Cabinet of Anwar would undermine his legitimacy, hinder economic reforms, and make him complicit in the toxic political culture he opposes.
He rejected an offer to be an appointed deputy president, seeing it as a way to silence him while exploiting his supporters.
Rafizi emphasised the need for space for dissent within PKR to uphold reform principles and warned against dismissing grassroots members, indirectly criticising PKR figures like Fadhlina Sidek and R Ramanan for overlooking the party’s history and supporters.
He highlighted achievements in the Economy Ministry but noted the 13th Malaysia Plan and Anti-Rent Seeking Act as unfinished initiatives. While denying plans to form a new party, Rafizi humorously mentioned a gathering to “celebrate” his loss, focusing on maintaining government stability. — June 21, 2025
