M'sia's Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli keeps promise to resign after losing PKR Deputy Presidency

Malaysia's Economy Minister, Rafizi Ramli, announced that he will resign from his Cabinet post following his loss in Parti Keadilan Rakyat’s (PKR) party elections to Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s daughter.

In a Facebook statement on May 28, Rafizi said that he had sent his resignation letter to Anwar.

“I entered politics to promote a new political culture based on accountability and the people's mandate,” he said.

“My defeat in the recent PKR election means I no longer have the mandate from my party to translate the people's agenda, as envisioned by PKR, into government programmes.”

The PKR is the main party of the ruling Pakatan Harapan coalition, which partners with the Barisan Nasional coalition to form the Malaysian government. The PKR is widely considered the glue that holds the coalition together.

Rafizi said his resignation will take effect on Jun. 17, though he will be utilising the remainder of his annual leave until Jun. 16.

Another minister in tow

Following Rafizi’s resignation, Malaysia’s Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, has also announced his resignation.

In a press statement, he said he decided to resign as a minister as he lost the PKR vice-president post in recent party elections, adding that he is aware the position was a key factor in his cabinet appointment.

He said his resignation will take effect on Jul. 4.

A turning point?

Rafizi announced his resignation after he lost the PKR deputy president post to Anwar’s daughter, Nurul Izzah Anwar, less than a week ago on May 23.

According to Malay Mail, Izzah won 9,803 votes, while Rafizi received 3,866.

“As is the practice in countries that uphold democratic principles, party leaders who lose internal elections should make way for those who won to take their place in government," Rafizi said in his statement.

Earlier in the month, he had pledged to resign from the cabinet if he lost the PKR deputy presidency.

However, he would continue serving as the Pandan member of Parliament, with no intention of quitting politics.

New Straits Times reported that in an episode of his podcast, he said, "If I lose, I will step down. I will continue as a regular MP.”

“Without the burden of ministerial responsibilities, I can focus fully on my parliamentary role." he added.

“I will be happy – my hands and mouth will no longer be tied. As a member of the administration, I am often limited in what I can say or respond to.”

Rafizi, in his role as Economy Minister, has been one of the driving forces of fiscal reform in Malaysia, and was seen as the face of efforts to rationalise fuel subsidies in the country.

The Malay Mail reports that the reform is expected to save the Malaysian government RM4 billion (S$1.2 billion) annually, but is weighed against fears that it will exacerbate cost of living concerns. 

On May 19, The Edge reported Rafizi saying the responsibility for the RON95 fuel subsidy rationalisation belonged to the finance ministry, headed by Anwar.

Stay, and fight

Rafizi was urged to remain with PKR and not to resign from his ministerial post by popular podcaster and former Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin, as reported by MalaysiaKini.

Khairy contrasted his own situation with that of Rafizi, saying that he had been expelled from UMNO but Rafizi had only lost his party post.

Khairy disagreed with Rafizi, saying it was not necessarily the case that Rafizi needed to quit the cabinet after a loss of party position, because ministers were often appointed "based on their capabilities", not their internal party influence.

Rafizi, Khairy said, was committed to "PKR's struggle", and he didn't see "any need or reason for him to quit PKR or form a new party, and urged him to keep fighting.

The incoming deputy president

Khairy was not the only figure to praise Rafizi; Nurul Izzah said in a tribute Facebook post that many of his ideas will continue to shape national policy after he leaves office.

“Many of his ideas, which will not be forgotten, will in fact be continued, refined and implemented — not because they come from him or me, but because they are the best for Malaysia,” she said.

“Thinking like Rafizi will always be a strength, whether one is in government or not. The country needs bold ideas and actions, and I believe he still has much to contribute.”

However, she noted that her focus will remain on strengthening the party and ensuring top leadership is closely monitored.

While Rafizi’s campaign in the PKR elections had been focused on governmental reform, Izzah’s focused on unifying the party, said FMT.

Nurul Izzah had previously announced on Facebook a program with “strategies to increase the number of supporters and effective approaches to get closer to the people, as well as how to best help communities”.

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Top image via Nurul Izzah Anwar/Facebook