Latest news with #MohammadTawfik
The Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
‘Resignations signal shift in PKR, not threat to govt'
PETALING JAYA: The unexpected resignations of Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli as Economy minister and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad as Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability minister – both prominent PKR reformists – have sparked speculation about a possible Cabinet reshuffle and the internal direction of the party. Political analysts maintain that while the move signals a shift in the leadership dynamics of PKR, it is unlikely to threaten the stability of the Madani government. Universiti Malaya political analyst Dr Mohammad Tawfik Yaakub believes there is no immediate need for a reshuffle, suggesting instead that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim could use the situation to consolidate and streamline ministries. 'The prime minister could merge the Economy Ministry into the Finance and International Trade and Industry Ministry portfolios, and the Natural Resources Ministry into the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry. 'This move would not only address the current vacancies in these two ministries but also help reduce administrative costs and enhance government efficiency through consolidation,' he said. Speculation has also swirled over whether Anwar's daughter Nurul Izzah might step into a formal role following the resignations, but Mohammad Tawfik believes this is unlikely. 'Her previous role as PKR vice-president already qualified her for a significant position, but she wasn't appointed. 'That shows caution on the part of both her and the party. If she were appointed now, it would send a negative signal and invite further accusations of nepotism,' he said. On the potential impact among young voters, who once viewed Rafizi and Nik Nazmi as key reform voices, Mohammad Tawfik acknowledged there may be some disappointment, although not a dramatic shift. 'Their actions were bold but also irresponsible, especially when the country had just hosted the Asean Summit and was working to strengthen economic and political stability. 'Still, youths today are more pragmatic and do not follow leaders blindly.' Universiti Teknologi Malaysia political analyst Assoc Prof Dr Mazlan Ali also downplayed the risk of instability, pointing to the unity government's strong two-thirds majority in Parliament. He noted that Rafizi had already indicated he would resign if he lost the PKR deputy presidency, while Nik Nazmi's decision appeared tied to his support for Rafizi and his own recent loss at the branch level. 'I believe the prime minister already has a plan to fix the situation, likely through a reshuffle before the Sabah state election.' He added that further resignations are unlikely to destabilise the party, describing the resignations as a result of democratic elections in which the grassroots had chosen their leaders. Universiti Sains Malaysia political analyst Prof Datuk Dr Sivamurugan Pandian viewed Rafizi's resignation as a principled move in line with his campaign promise. 'Rafizi's decision is consistent with what he said during the campaign. He's sticking to his word to avoid questions about his political integrity.' However, Sivamurugan added that others aligned with Rafizi might follow if the decision is part of a broader collective stand. He also said the moment could serve as a political reset. 'I strongly believe there will be a reshuffle and this may be the right time for the prime minister to retain, drop or bring in new appointments to shape the Cabinet for the next general election. 'This is democracy at work, a reflection of political rights and integrity. It could be a collective decision to show that the party matters more than personalities.' Rafizi and Nik Nazmi announced their resignations on Wednesday via social media following their defeats in the recent PKR internal elections. Rafizi's resignation will take effect on June 17, while Nik Nazmi's will be effective July 4. On Thursday, Anwar said a Cabinet reshuffle is not currently under consideration, adding that ministers cannot be replaced while they are on leave.
The Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Rafizi, Nik Nazmi resign, sparking cabinet reshuffle talk
PETALING JAYA: The unexpected resignations of Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli as Economy minister and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad as Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability minister – both prominent PKR reformists – have sparked speculation about a possible Cabinet reshuffle and the internal direction of the party. Political analysts maintain that while the move signals a shift in the leadership dynamics of PKR, it is unlikely to threaten the stability of the Madani government. Universiti Malaya political analyst Dr Mohammad Tawfik Yaakub believes there is no immediate need for a reshuffle, suggesting instead that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim could use the situation to consolidate and streamline ministries. 'The prime minister could merge the Economy Ministry into the Finance and International Trade and Industry Ministry portfolios, and the Natural Resources Ministry into the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry. 'This move would not only address the current vacancies in these two ministries but also help reduce administrative costs and enhance government efficiency through consolidation,' he said. Speculation has also swirled over whether Anwar's daughter Nurul Izzah might step into a formal role following the resignations, but Mohammad Tawfik believes this is unlikely. 'Her previous role as PKR vice-president already qualified her for a significant position, but she wasn't appointed. 'That shows caution on the part of both her and the party. If she were appointed now, it would send a negative signal and invite further accusations of nepotism,' he said. On the potential impact among young voters, who once viewed Rafizi and Nik Nazmi as key reform voices, Mohammad Tawfik acknowledged there may be some disappointment, although not a dramatic shift. 'Their actions were bold but also irresponsible, especially when the country had just hosted the Asean Summit and was working to strengthen economic and political stability. 'Still, youths today are more pragmatic and do not follow leaders blindly.' Universiti Teknologi Malaysia political analyst Assoc Prof Dr Mazlan Ali also downplayed the risk of instability, pointing to the unity government's strong two-thirds majority in Parliament. He noted that Rafizi had already indicated he would resign if he lost the PKR deputy presidency, while Nik Nazmi's decision appeared tied to his support for Rafizi and his own recent loss at the branch level. 'I believe the prime minister already has a plan to fix the situation, likely through a reshuffle before the Sabah state election.' He added that further resignations are unlikely to destabilise the party, describing the resignations as a result of democratic elections in which the grassroots had chosen their leaders. Universiti Sains Malaysia political analyst Prof Datuk Dr Sivamurugan Pandian viewed Rafizi's resignation as a principled move in line with his campaign promise. 'Rafizi's decision is consistent with what he said during the campaign. He's sticking to his word to avoid questions about his political integrity.' However, Sivamurugan added that others aligned with Rafizi might follow if the decision is part of a broader collective stand. He also said the moment could serve as a political reset. 'I strongly believe there will be a reshuffle and this may be the right time for the prime minister to retain, drop or bring in new appointments to shape the Cabinet for the next general election. 'This is democracy at work, a reflection of political rights and integrity. It could be a collective decision to show that the party matters more than personalities.' Rafizi and Nik Nazmi announced their resignations on Wednesday via social media following their defeats in the recent PKR internal elections. Rafizi's resignation will take effect on June 17, while Nik Nazmi's will be effective July 4. On Thursday, Anwar said a Cabinet reshuffle is not currently under consideration, adding that ministers cannot be replaced while they are on leave.
Barnama
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Barnama
Media Practitioners Seen As ‘Ambassadors' For Malaysia's ASEAN 2025 Role
By Shuhaida Mohd Said ALOR SETAR, May 19 (Bernama) -- Media practitioners, as key conduits of information, can be regarded as 'ambassadors' in promoting and highlighting Malaysia's leadership as ASEAN Chair for 2025, Universiti Malaya (UM) senior lecturer at the Department of Political Science, Public Administration and Development Studies, Dr Mohammad Tawfik Yaakub, said in line with Malaysia's responsibilities in leading the regional agenda, reporting on the country's initiatives, policies, and achievements—particularly in economic integration, political stability, and sustainable development—must be strengthened and brought to the forefront. According to Mohammad Tawfik, the role of local media goes beyond simply delivering news across the country. 'The media plays a significant role in highlighting people's rights, promoting justice, and showcasing fair leadership—not only for Malaysia but also as an example to other ASEAN member states,' he told Bernama recently. He added that local media not only serves as a communication bridge between the government and the people but also crosses ASEAN borders to help strengthen diplomatic ties within the region. 'Journalistic reports have a considerable impact on diplomatic relations, and the media serves as an important 'ambassador' by fostering closer ties among ASEAN nations—resolving issues, and promoting the strengths of member countries, such as political stability, cultural richness, and multi-dimensional capabilities,' he said. With Malaysia set to chair ASEAN in 2025, Mohammad Tawfik said this presents a timely opportunity for the media to highlight national achievements such as political stability, shared-interest policies, and the Unity government's success in achieving common goals. 'This is a crucial responsibility for the media and journalists, who must adopt a 'soft intervention' approach to foster public trust and confidence,' he added.
