KUALA LUMPUR, May 11 — Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli has declared his willingness to step down from the Cabinet if he fails to retain his PKR deputy presidency in the upcoming party polls on May 24. Citing a desire to respect grassroots sentiment and regain the freedom to speak openly on contentious issues, Rafizi said he would continue to serve as Pandan MP but relinquish ministerial duties.
Which he claims have at times limited his ability to challenge certain decisions, such as the appointment of MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki. Rafizi also took direct aim at the PKR election committee, chaired by Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa, accusing it of lax oversight in allowing “Airbnb members” — short-term entrants from other parties — to contest in PKR’s divisional elections.
He criticised the committee and party secretary-general Fuziah Salleh for failing to screen out ineligible candidates, calling for structural reforms and better resourcing to ensure objections are handled effectively. Despite political tensions, Rafizi assured that the internal contest would not destabilise the unity government.
He also acknowledged the candidacy of former MP Nurul Izzah Anwar for the deputy post, urging her to be prepared to become PKR’s new “war general” if elected. Highlighting the weight of the role, Rafizi reminded her — and other contenders — that winning grassroots trust requires strategic engagement, particularly in marginal seats ahead of the 16th general election.
