PM wishes Rafizi 'all the best', will review economy minister replacement

Summary

• Anwar says Economy Ministry will not be dissolved following Rafizi’s resignation, thanks the outgoing minister for his service.

• PM giving space to Nik Nazmi to ultimately decide whether he’ll leave his cabinet post, holding out hope that the natural resources and environmental sustainability minister will change his mind.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has expressed his appreciation and best wishes to Rafizi Ramli for his excellent service as the economy minister.

Anwar also emphasised that the decision on Rafizi’s replacement will be made at a later time.

“I wish Rafizi all the best. He has served very well as the economy minister, and now I will decide who will carry out the duties (of the economy portfolio),” he told reporters briefly in Kuala Lumpur today.

On Saturday, Anwar said he was still giving the two ministers who had earlier resigned time to reconsider their decisions before officially stepping down from their cabinet positions.

Anwar, who is also the finance minister, said ideally he wants Rafizi and Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad to return to his cabinet line-up.

The duo had submitted their resignation letters at the end of May following their defeat in the PKR central leadership election.

According to the resignation letters submitted to Anwar, Rafizi’s resignation will take effect tomorrow, while Nik Nazmi’s will come into effect on July 4. Until then, both are on leave.

Rafizi lost the deputy president’s post to former PKR vice-president Nurul Izzah Anwar, while Nik Nazmi failed to defend his position as vice-president.

Economy Ministry will continue on

Commenting further on whether the Economy Ministry will be dissolved following Rafizi’s resignation, Anwar said there is no such plan.

“I don’t think there’s any need for a reshuffle at this point,” he added.

When asked if the Economy Ministry would be placed back under the Economic Planning Unit (EPU), Anwar said there was no need to revert to the previous structure.

“We’ll carry on with the set-up (of the Economy Ministry) as there are no issues or problems,” he stressed.

As for Nik Nazmi’s position, Anwar said he still hopes the Setiawangsa MP will continue to serve and remain in his administration.

“I’m still waiting, giving him space, asking him (Nik Nazmi) to reflect on his decision, and I’ve shared my view. If possible, I’d like him to continue serving.

“But there’s still time, he’s still on leave. Let’s give him room, why should we accept his resignation when he’s still officially on leave and the date hasn’t come yet?” the premier added.

Other than Rafizi and Nik Nazmi, Science, Technology, and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang also contested as part of the “Hiruk” team, defended his PKR vice-presidency, and remained in the cabinet.

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