Malaysian Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli has announced his resignation from the Cabinet, effective June 17, following his defeat in the People’s Justice Party (PKR) deputy presidency to Nurul Izzah Anwar, the daughter of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
In a statement, Rafizi acknowledged that his loss in the party election meant he no longer held the mandate to implement PKR’s agenda within the government.
He emphasized the importance of aligning party leadership with governmental roles, stating that leaders who lose in party elections should make way for those who have secured the party’s confidence.
The PKR leadership election, held on May 24, saw Nurul Izzah Anwar secure the deputy presidency with close to 10,000 votes, while Rafizi garnered around 4,000 votes.
Nurul Izzah, a seasoned politician and former Member of Parliament, has been a prominent figure in Malaysian politics, known for her advocacy for political reform and her role as a co-chairperson of the Secretariat of the Special Advisory Body to the Minister of Finance.
The leadership contest attracted attention due to the familial ties between Nurul Izzah and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, prompting discussions about nepotism within the party.
However, the Prime Minister dismissed such concerns, emphasizing the democratic nature of the party’s internal elections.
Rafizi’s resignation marks a significant shift in Malaysia’s political landscape, highlighting the dynamic nature of party politics and the emphasis on democratic processes within PKR.
