May 11, 2025 | 06:00 MYT | KUALA LUMPUR – A bold statement by Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli expressing his readiness to resign from the Cabinet if he loses the upcoming PKR Deputy President election on May 24 has stirred unease among the party’s grassroots.
During a recent episode of the Yang Bakar Menteri (YBM) podcast streamed live on social media last Saturday, Rafizi remarked that he would be happier if he were no longer holding a ministerial position, as he would no longer be “tied up” and could speak more freely. He was referring to the constraints placed on members of the administration from voicing public dissent.
> “First, I would no longer be burdened with the heavy responsibilities of being a minister. Second, I will be happier because my mouth and hands will no longer be tied. As a member of the administration, I cannot openly voice disagreements—even if, for example, I disagree with the appointment of Tan Sri Azam Baki as Chief Commissioner of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC),” he said.
Rafizi explained that as a minister, he must respect the Prime Minister’s prerogative in top government appointments. However, his remarks have sparked reactions from various quarters within PKR, particularly among grassroots supporters who view the comments as indirectly challenging the leadership’s decisions.
Political observers have noted that Rafizi’s candid and forthright comments could be perceived as a sign of misalignment with party president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who also serves as the Prime Minister.
> “If Anwar had not given Rafizi the mandate and trust previously, where would Rafizi be today? Do not stab the leadership in the back just because of differing opinions,” said one grassroots supporter who requested anonymity.
Rafizi added that he had discussed the matter with fellow government members, including those from Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) and Barisan Nasional (BN), and assured them that the internal party election would not affect the stability of the Unity Government.
> “If I lose, I will resign. I will return to being an ordinary Member of Parliament. I am also grateful, as there is wisdom behind such a decision,” he said calmly but firmly.
Meanwhile, the return of former Lembah Pantai MP Nurul Izzah Anwar to contest the PKR Deputy President post has intensified the political heat and drawn significant attention from both media and national political analysts.
This situation reflects the growing internal challenges PKR faces as it seeks to maintain cohesion while leading the federal administration through the Unity Government.