[UPDATED] Rafizi: I'll quit cabinet if I lose PKR deputy presidency race

New Straits Times

10-05-2025

SERDANG: Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli has pledged to resign from the cabinet if he fails to retain the PKR deputy presidency in the party elections later this month.
Rafizi, who is set to face vice-president Nurul Izzah Anwar in a straight fight for the party's number two post, said he would not allow his ministerial duties to be compromised by political distractions.
He made it clear that while he would step down from cabinet if defeated, he had no intention of quitting politics and would continue serving as the member of Parliament for Pandan.
"I have spoken to my colleagues in government, including those from GPS and Barisan Nasional. I assured them that this internal contest will not disrupt the administration. There will be no chaos, no mischief, and no threat to stability.
"If I lose, I will step down. I will continue as a regular MP. Without the burden of ministerial responsibilities, I can focus fully on my parliamentary role," he said during his podcast Yang Bakar Menteri here today.
Rafizi also said he welcomes the opportunity to speak more freely once relieved of his position in the administration.
"I will be happy – my hands and mouth will no longer be tied. As a member of the administration, I am often limited in what I can say or respond to (any arising matter).
"Previously, I was part of the administration. Even if I disagreed, for example, with Tan Sri Azam Baki's reappointment as MACC chief commissioner, I couldn't say so publicly because I was part of the administration.
"It would breach protocol, as the decision was made by the prime minister. So I had to keep quiet," he said.
Commenting further, Rafizi said he also had to remain silent even if he disagreed with Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Akmal Saleh on various issues.
He said if he were to speak out, it would prompt media coverage of discord among ministers.
Rafizi is being challenged by long-time ally Nurul Izzah Anwar for the PKR deputy presidency.
Nurul Izzah is believed to enjoy broad support from within PKR, with many divisions pledging to back her for the deputy presidency.
PKR deputy information chief Datuk Sero R. Ramanan previously revealed that more than 150 PKR divisions have given support for the nomination of Nurul Izzah Anwar for the post of deputy president in the upcoming party election.