Latest news with #PKR
The Sun
3 hours 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 hours 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.
![Beyond the Headlines: Rafizi out, online predators and Asean 2025 [WATCH]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.nst.com.my%2Fassets%2FNST-Logo%402x.png%3Fid%3Db37a17055cb1ffea01f5&w=48&q=75){kind=small}
New Straits Times
4 hours ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Beyond the Headlines: Rafizi out, online predators and Asean 2025 [WATCH]
KUALA LUMPUR: In this latest episode of Beyond the Headlines, the show explores online safety and the government's proposal to introduce mandatory user identity verification. Earlier this week, the Communications Ministry said it is considering the move as a crucial step in protecting children from becoming victims of online sexual predators. This follows a disturbing case involving a social media influencer who allegedly sent obscene messages to a 14-year-old girl. Universiti Malaya forensic and cyber threat expert Professor Dr Ainuddin Wahid Abdul Wahab joins hosts Amalina Kamal and Hazween Hassan to explain how such a policy might work in practice—and what the government needs to weigh in order to balance safety regulations with freedom of speech. The show also discusses the resignation of two cabinet ministers: Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli as Economy Minister and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad as Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability. Rafizi, who had pledged to resign if he lost to Nurul Izzah Anwar in the PKR deputy presidency race last week, followed through on his promise. Nik Nazmi also stepped down after failing to retain his PKR vice-presidency and losing the Setiawangsa division chief post to Datuk Afdlin Shauki. In the second half of the episode, Beyond the Headlines recaps the recently concluded Asean and related summits hosted in Kuala Lumpur—an event that marked a milestone in regional multilateral relations. Catch the full discussion in episode 98 of Beyond the Headlines on the New Straits Times' YouTube channel, NSTOnline.
New Straits Times
4 hours ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Beyond the Headlines: Rafizi out, online predators and Asean 2025
KUALA LUMPUR: In this latest episode of Beyond the Headlines, the show explores online safety and the government's proposal to introduce mandatory user identity verification. Earlier this week, the Communications Ministry said it is considering the move as a crucial step in protecting children from becoming victims of online sexual predators. This follows a disturbing case involving a social media influencer who allegedly sent obscene messages to a 14-year-old girl. Universiti Malaya forensic and cyber threat expert Professor Dr Ainuddin Wahid Abdul Wahab joins hosts Amalina Kamal and Hazween Hassan to explain how such a policy might work in practice—and what the government needs to weigh in order to balance safety regulations with freedom of speech. The show also discusses the resignation of two cabinet ministers: Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli as Economy Minister and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad as Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability. Rafizi, who had pledged to resign if he lost to Nurul Izzah Anwar in the PKR deputy presidency race last week, followed through on his promise. Nik Nazmi also stepped down after failing to retain his PKR vice-presidency and losing the Setiawangsa division chief post to Datuk Afdlin Shauki. In the second half of the episode, Beyond the Headlines recaps the recently concluded Asean and related summits hosted in Kuala Lumpur—an event that marked a milestone in regional multilateral relations. Catch the full discussion in episode 98 of Beyond the Headlines on the New Straits Times' YouTube channel, NSTOnline.
Malay Mail
4 hours ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
PKR kicks off new term with focus on public's burden, Sabah state election battle plan
KUALA LUMPUR, May 30 — The first meeting of the Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Political Bureau for the 2025/2028 session held yesterday focused on the implementation of policies introduced by the executive and their impact on the people's cost of living. First meeting of PKR political bureau focuses on cost of living, prep for Sabah state election KUALA LUMPUR, May 30 — The first meeting of the Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Political Bureau for the 2025/2028 session held yesterday focused on the implementation of policies introduced by the executive and their impact on the people's cost of living. The PKR Political Bureau said in a statement that the meeting, chaired by PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, also scrutinised follow-up steps to ensure that the people's welfare always remained as the party's main priority. 'Discussions also touched on the Sabah State Election, which will be held soon. The party's current focus is to ensure readiness in facing the polls. 'The deputy president and all vice-presidents have been given specific tasks to ensure the victory of the party and its partners in the Madani Unity Government,' the statement said yesterday. In addition, to ensure the continuity of election preparations, former chairman of the Sabah State Leadership Council (MPN) Mustapha Sakmud will continue his duties in the role while awaiting the appointment of the new MPN leadership. 'Datuk Peto Galim will also continue his responsibilities as director of the Sabah State Election Committee,' according to the bureau. The statement also said that the meeting decided that in the interim, Fuziah Salleh and William Leong will continue their duties as secretary-general and treasurer-general, respectively, until the new leadership is appointed in the upcoming Central Leadership Council meeting. Last Saturday, Anwar expressed confidence that the new leadership would be able to elevate the party to greater heights. — Bernama The PKR Political Bureau said in a statement that the meeting, chaired by PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, also scrutinised follow-up steps to ensure that the people's welfare always remained as the party's main priority. 'Discussions also touched on the Sabah State Election, which will be held soon. The party's current focus is to ensure readiness in facing the polls. 'The deputy president and all vice-presidents have been given specific tasks to ensure the victory of the party and its partners in the Madani Unity Government,' the statement said yesterday. In addition, to ensure the continuity of election preparations, former chairman of the Sabah State Leadership Council (MPN) Mustapha Sakmud will continue his duties in the role while awaiting the appointment of the new MPN leadership. 'Datuk Peto Galim will also continue his responsibilities as director of the Sabah State Election Committee,' according to the bureau. The statement also said that the meeting decided that in the interim, Fuziah Salleh and William Leong will continue their duties as secretary-general and treasurer-general, respectively, until the new leadership is appointed in the upcoming Central Leadership Council meeting. Last Saturday, Anwar expressed confidence that the new leadership would be able to elevate the party to greater heights. — Bernama
