Rafizi resumes work today but criticism mounts

Summary

• Sources confirm that Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli has resumed work today.

• This comes as Rafizi’s government ally, Umno supreme council member Puad Zarkashi, criticises him for taking leave, speculated to be due to discontent over the PKR’s division polls.

Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli has resumed work effective today, sources told Malaysiakini today.

However, they could not confirm whether the minister would address his leave of absence, speculated to be over his discontent over the recently concluded PKR divisional polls held recently.

On April 30, a minister, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Rafizi was on leave amid rumours about the PKR deputy president’s resignation from his government post.

“Anwar informed today’s cabinet meeting that Rafizi is on leave for a few days. There has been no resignation, and these rumours are entirely false,” the minister added.

Rafizi’s leave came amid PKR divisional election results that saw several of his key allies getting routed.

This indicated the difficult road ahead as he prepares to defend his number two position in PKR’s central leadership election this month.

The prime minister, however, has downplayed the matter, saying the leave was a non-issue.

“Just a few days off, no issue at all. I also want to find a few days off,” Anwar added.

‘Ministry first, party second’

However, many quarters criticised Rafizi for his decision, with Umno supreme council member Puad Zarkashi being the latest to lash out.

He reminded Rafizi that when it comes to prioritising between party and government, the latter must come first.

“If you’re protesting against your party, then resign as deputy president, not go on a long leave and leave your ministry without a head. Ministry first, party second,” he said on Facebook today.

Puad pointed out that Rafizi was also absent from the special Dewan Rakyat sitting to discuss the US tariff yesterday, leaving room for negative speculations to arise.

“He should explain his long leave. If it’s linked to the PKR polls, then it is irresponsible.

“If Rafizi is doing this to threaten his party, it indirectly means he is also threatening the government,” he added.

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