Rafizi's parting speech: Quotes that challenge power, stir conscience

Summary

• Former economy minister Rafizi Ramli shares on social media an excerpt of his final address to staffers of the Economy Ministry.

• His speech contains quotes from luminaries throughout history, from which Rafizi draws inspiration and bases his principles.

In his final address to staff, former economy minister Rafizi Ramli delivered a stirring barrage of quotes - on changing the world, standing firm against critics, and answering only to one’s conscience.

Sharing an excerpt on social media, the Pandan MP said much of his speech revolved around four guiding principles for carrying out one’s duty.

The first centred around the words of the American cultural anthropologist, author and speaker Margaret Mead, who believed that a “small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world”.

“Change has never been driven by a large group. Change happens because of the conviction of a small group that is aware,” Rafizi said.

As for dealing with critics, Rafizi said comfort can be found in Theodore Roosevelt’s quote, particularly the former US president’s reminder that “it is not the critic who counts, but the man in the arena”.

“When we want to bring about change, there will be more people who mock and insult. More people will think they are experts in everything. If we propose a formula, they ridicule it.

“But it is better to be the one fighting in the arena, trying to bring about change, than to be a cheerleader on the sidelines. The cheerleaders only know how to cheer, but never understand the meaning of victory or defeat,” he added.

Critics often satirically dubbed Rafizi “Mr Formula” due to his fondness for detailed calculations, economic models, and data-driven arguments.

Principles and convictions

On the subject of change, the former PKR deputy president recounted the often-repeated wisdom that “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results”.

“When we want to bring about change, when there is an opportunity to do so, we must not repeat what was done before - especially if it was the cause of the very problems that now demand change. That would be madness,” he said.

Finally, Rafizi underscored the power of conscience and conviction, quoting German physicist Max Planck, who called them the “highest court” - the ultimate tribunal to which one must answer.

“The final court in the eyes of the world is our principles and convictions. We may win everything else, but the ultimate court of appeal, in the eyes of others, is how we are judged for living by our principles and convictions.

“Others may not agree with our views, but they cannot deny the honour that comes from a life grounded in principle,” he added.

Rafizi had resigned as minister after losing his PKR deputy presidency to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s daughter Nurul Izzah.

Anwar, who is also PKR president, had dismissed allegations of nepotism.

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