Rafizi’s resignation sign of maturity, PKR Youth leader tells Puad

Summary

• PKR Youth leader Syamil Luthfi defends Rafizi Ramli’s resignation as economy minister, calling it a rare show of political integrity and accountability, not a sign of weakness.

• He criticises claims by Umno’s Puad Zarkashi that Rafizi’s move reflects PKR’s failure, arguing instead that it sets a new standard for principled leadership in Malaysian politics.

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Rafizi Ramli’s resignation as the economy minister is not a weakness, but rather a manifestation of a bold, new political culture that prioritises principles and moral courage over clinging to power.

This is according to PKR Youth leadership council member Syamil Luthfi, in response to Umno supreme council member Puad Zarkashi’s claim that Rafizi’s move was an attempt to save himself from being dropped via a cabinet reshuffle.

Instead, Syamil (above) said the party’s former deputy president has proven that holding office is not his main goal.

“He (Rafizi) resigned voluntarily - a move rarely seen in Malaysian politics, especially among key government figures.

“This signals a political maturity that deserves respect, not questioning.

“On the other hand, for some figures like Puad, who have long been rooted in old-school politics, such an action might seem odd or be seen as quitting before one’s time.

“But in fact, it aligns with values of personal accountability and political integrity, which form the foundation of the reforms PKR seeks to bring,” he said in a statement today.

According to Syamil, for those shaped by the old political system, positions are often seen as symbols of personal power - something to be defended at all costs.

Earlier, Puad had said Rafizi’s resignation is proof that PKR’s reformasi clarion call is nothing but an empty slogan, and its reputation is marred by Rafizi’s allegations of irregularities in the party election.

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However, Syamil argued that this resignation should be seen as proof that PKR dares to set a new standard in Malaysian politics.

“It sends a clear message that PKR is not just about reformist rhetoric but practices it consistently - including through its leaders’ readiness to change, step back, and take responsibility.

“It also proves that PKR’s leadership is not afraid of renewal, but welcomes it. In modern politics, the courage to change is a strength, not a weakness.

“Any attempt to mock or belittle Rafizi’s action merely exposes the gap between old politics clinging to power and the new politics that dares to let it go for the sake of principle.

“In this, PKR is on the right track to lead not just with power, but with example and integrity,” he said.

Besides Rafizi, Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, who lost in the vice-presidential election last week, also resigned today as natural resources and environmental sustainability minister.

Both cited their defeats in the party elections as reasons for stepping down from their ministerial posts.

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