KUALA LUMPUR — Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli has declared his readiness to resign from the Cabinet should he lose his position as PKR deputy president in the upcoming party elections on May 23.
However, Rafizi stressed he would continue to serve as the Member of Parliament for Pandan, saying he remained committed to his responsibilities as an elected representative.
“If I lose, I will resign as minister and return to being an ordinary MP,” he said during a session of the Yang Bakar Menteri: Yang Berhenti Menteri? podcast, held at the MBSJ multipurpose hall on Saturday.
Rafizi added that without the duties tied to a ministerial role, he would be able to focus fully on his parliamentary work.
“I’ll have more time. I can do more and focus on certain matters compared to when I’m serving as a minister,” he said.
He noted that he had already discussed his potential departure from Cabinet with colleagues in the government, including those from Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) and Barisan Nasional.
“I’ve spoken to my friends in government and assured them that this internal contest will not disrupt the administration. There won’t be chaos, no disorder, and no threat to stability. If I lose, I step aside,” he said.
Rafizi is set to face a challenge from Nurul Izzah Anwar, daughter of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and former Lembah Pantai MP, who confirmed her nomination for the party’s No. 2 post on Friday.
He explained that while the outcome of the contest was secondary to him, his broader objective remained unchanged — ensuring PKR’s success in the next general election.
“At this point, what matters is the role I currently hold and preparing for whoever the government may be up against in the 16th general election.”
Rafizi also expressed his hope that the campaign would help PKR reconnect with younger voters, many of whom he acknowledged had grown distant from the party after the 15th general election. – May 10, 2025