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CNA
7 days ago
- Business
- CNA
Economy Minister Rafizi not out of race against PM Anwar's daughter Nurul Izzah to be his heir
JOHOR BAHRU: While Rafizi Ramli failed to retain his No 2 post in Malaysia's ruling Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) and has resigned as Economy Minister, he still has a shout in taking over the party's top post from Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, said analysts. They added that him stepping down from Anwar's Cabinet now may just be the impetus the maverick 47-year-old needs to revive his standing in PKR, and return to challenge the post of party chief in as soon as three years. Speaking to CNA, the political experts pointed to how Rafizi's outspoken personality of being critical of the government policies, especially those he does not consider to be aligned with the party's 'reformasi' principles, could win him support among PKR members. Furthermore, this is something he can pursue as a backbencher unencumbered by a ministerial position and the need to toe the Cabinet line. "He is more powerful in the party without a Cabinet position,' James Chin, Professor of Asian Studies at the University of Tasmania, told CNA. 'Previously he was caught by the collective responsibility of his job but now he is free to be critical of things he previously could not, such as corruption. He is known best as a reformer.' Meanwhile, the pressure and spotlight will be on newly appointed PKR deputy president Nurul Izzah Anwar, Anwar's daughter who defeated Rafizi in a face-off for the PKR deputy president post in last weekend's party leadership polls. Observers said she will need to show the party and the Malaysian people she can deliver on her promise to synergise PKR and clinch victory for the unity government coalition in the upcoming Sabah state elections. If the 44-year-old fails, allegations of nepotism will likely resurface, analysts said, and the question mark of who then can replace Anwar both as party chief and premier of Malaysia will again be put to the fore. In the short term, analysts added that Anwar will have to replace two positions in his Cabinet - the Minister of Economy post vacated by Rafizi - as well as the position of Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability after Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, a close ally to Rafizi, also resigned having lost his vice-presidency post in the party. Observers said that Anwar is likely to appoint PKR members to these Cabinet posts, and he may promote from within the party's ranks, and possibly reward members who won in the recent polls. RAFIZI COULD COME BACK STRONGER TO LEAD PKR: ANALYSTS Azmi Hassan, a senior fellow at the Malaysia-based think-tank Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research, told CNA that he feels that it is likely 'not the end of the road' for Rafizi in PKR and that he could well challenge for the party presidency in three years when Anwar is forced to step aside due to a two-term limit stipulated in the party's constitution. "Rafizi will likely remain in PKR and he's waiting for maybe when the party's presidency becomes vacant, perhaps he will challenge, whether it's Nurul Izzah or somebody else," said Azmi. He cited how Rafizi was an asset for PKR and the Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition in the last general election in 2022 when he, as a key strategist, was credited within party circles for helping to secure victories in marginal seats. The next general election must be held by Feb 2028 and the next PKR leadership polls is expected to be only after that. This means that if the current ruling coalition goes on to serve a full term, Anwar will likely lead PKR to the national polls. He will be 80 then. Azmi added that Rafizi is also unlikely to leave PKR because some of his key allies have held on to senior positions in the party. These include Negeri Sembilan Chief Minister Aminuddin Harun as well as Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Chang Lih Kang, both of whom retained their posts as vice-presidents. Akmal Nasir, another of Rafizi's allies, also defended his post in the party's federal supreme council. "It's best for (Rafizi) to relinquish his post in the Cabinet because his appointment as Economy Minister was tied to his position in the party, rather than his acumen for the role. He can now bide his time, canvass for support and be ready to challenge for the (party's) presidency," said Azmi. Chin added that Rafizi will unlikely join another political party because his principles are best aligned with PKR and he has been fiercely critical of parties like the United Malays National Organisation, Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS) and Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) in the last general election campaign. Political analyst Awang Azman Awang Pawi of Universiti Malaya told CNA that both Rafizi and his close ally Nik Nazmi will have time and space to prepare the party for upcoming polls, and prove their worth ahead of the next internal party elections likely to be held in 2028. 'They can try to canvas support to ensure that there is a big wave of voters who will support PKR and PH for the next election,' said Awang Azman. WHAT NURUL IZZAH'S OLIVE BRANCH TO RAFIZI MEANS Analysts added that Nurul Izzah's statement following Rafizi's resignation, in which she praised Rafizi's ideas and principles, outlining that he will "always be a source of strength, whether within the government or outside it", was a positive move to unite the party after a divisive campaign for the internal polls. Chin said Nurul Izzah's efforts to extend an olive branch could pave the way for the two leaders to work together in the long term, a boost for PKR given their complementary strengths. Nurul Izzah has experience in helping to shape policies for Malaysian households living in poverty, as well as catering to the needs of women and youths. Meanwhile, Rafizi's strength is to garner support from fence-sitting voters during elections with his forceful personality. "Many have said that the best leadership combination for PKR is both Nurul Izzah and Rafizi at the head of the party. This combination is considered the dream team for PKR's future," said Chin. After a harsh campaign for the deputy presidency, there were reports that Nurul Izzah and Rafizi were not on talking terms recently. The latter left for Kuala Lumpur almost immediately after the results were announced last Friday and was conspicuously absent during the last day of the party congress on Saturday. Meanwhile, when asked by reporters on Saturday if she would reach out to Rafizi, Nurul Izzah was hesitant and merely said that 'it was an ongoing process' to open lines of communication. Awang Azman added that Nurul Izzah initiating the reconciliation between the two leaders would allow her to engage party members who did not vote for her in the polls. 'It allows the party to engage those who may have felt that they lost, it was a way to reach out and say 'we want to work together'. If she had not reached out and (these members) left the party, the vote share for PKR might fall by 30-35 per cent,' he said. Chin added that Nurul Izzah meanwhile, will be judged in her role as party's number two in the upcoming Sabah elections due by December. He added that Anwar will be encumbered by federal government responsibilities and that it will be up to Nurul Izzah to synergise the grassroots and lead the Madani government's campaign. "If Nurul cannot deliver on Sabah, then people will start raising the issue of nepotism again," said Chin. HOW CAN ANWAR FILL TWO CABINET POSTS? In the near term, Anwar will need to fill up the two ministerial posts which have been vacated. Observers have said that a full-scale Cabinet reshuffle is unlikely given that the priority is to fill two gaps rather than changing ministers' portfolio on a large scale. They added that Anwar will likely pick from members of his party, given that the two spots are part of PKR's quota in the Cabinet. It is understood that each party in Anwar's unity government has a set number of ministerial posts allocated, based loosely on their number of seats in the legislative assembly. Awang Azman predicted that Anwar could reward some party members who contested in the PKR polls and won - including promoting Deputy Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives R Ramakrishan to a full minister position. R Ramakrishnan replaced Nik Nazmi as vice-president in last weekend's polls. Before the PKR congress, all four PKR vice-presidents were either state chief ministers or full Cabinet ministers. 'He (Anwar) may also look at the supreme council and promote from there, there will be no shortage of choice,' said Awang Azman. Chin told CNA that if Anwar is unable to promote from within, he may consider appointing senators, including his daughter, into a ministerial position. However doing this could again resurface the nepotism accusations, he added. 'If Anwar does that, he will send a bad signal to his own party. There's enough talent among PKR MPs to fill these gaps,' said Chin.
Free Malaysia Today
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Ex-VP Xavier not back with PKR, sec-gen confirms
Dr Xavier Jayakumar had in 2021 announced that he was quitting PKR, to support then prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin as an independent. (X pic) PETALING JAYA : PKR secretary-general Fuziah Salleh has rubbished rumours that former vice-president Dr Xavier Jayakumar has returned to the party's fold. 'No,' she told FMT in a one-word reply when asked about Xavier's membership after pictures of him at the party's Johor Bahru congress made the rounds on social media, sparking speculation. Separately, a senior PKR leader, who did not wish to be named, said Xavier had applied for a 'special pass' to attend the congress. When contacted, Xavier said he had been 'invited' to the congress as a guest. 'I received an official invitation and I was there with other guests, like the ambassadors. 'It was good to be there,' he said, adding that he did not attend any of the meetings at the congress. Xavier said there is a lot of work ahead for PKR with the general election 'just around the corner'. 'As one of the pioneers of the party, I would like to see the Madani government re-elected which would allow Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to implement the 'reformasi' agenda that has been discussed for a long time.' Xavier had announced in 2021 that he was quitting PKR, which was then an opposition party, to support then prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin as an independent. The former land, water and natural resources minister, who had been with PKR since 1998, said he had become 'extremely frustrated' following the events of the past year. His resignation came a month after the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission said it was investigating Xavier, following the arrest of his close associate, MA Tinagaran. In 2022, he joined Parti Bangsa Malaysia, but refused to disclose the reasons for doing so.
Free Malaysia Today
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Applause, shouts of ‘reformasi' greet Rafizi at PKR congress
PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli with PKR president Anwar Ibrahim at the party's national congress tonight. JOHOR BAHRU : PKR's Rafizi Ramli was greeted with thunderous applause and shouts of 'reformasi' – the party's battle cry – at its national congress tonight. Rafizi, who is defending his deputy presidency at the party polls, entered the hall moments after PKR president Anwar Ibrahim, with whom he was later seen sharing a word. Earlier today, Anwar said he expected Rafizi to attend the annual congress despite speculation of a no-show amid heightening party tension. Rafizi recently broke tradition by declining to officiate the party's Youth and Wanita congress, citing principles over politics. On Monday, he said his decision to skip the congress stemmed from a breach of party protocol after the Sabah PKR election machinery launch was allegedly announced without prior discussion by the party's political bureau or central leadership council. The events were instead officiated by PKR secretary-general Fuziah Salleh. Tonight's congress was also attended by unity government leaders including DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook, Amanah president Mohamad Sabu, Barisan Nasional secretary-general Zambry Abdul Kadir, and Upko president Ewon Benedick.
Free Malaysia Today
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
‘Tried and tested' Chang seeks to retain PKR veep post
Chang Lih Kang prides himself as a risk taker, saying he has never once been asked to stand in a safe seat. PETALING JAYA : Tanjong Malim MP Chang Lih Kang says his loyalty, experience and willingness to take risks justify his bid to retain his vice-presidency at the party polls later this month. In an interview with FMT, Chang said he had 'been tested' over the years, citing his numerous arrests, being charged twice for attending rallies and tempted with money to jump ship. 'I stayed with the party at its lowest point and didn't leave even when there were offers.' Chang will be defending his post, which he won in 2022, in an 11-cornered fight. The three other incumbent vice-presidents — Selangor menteri besar and state PKR chairman Amirudin Shari, Negeri Sembilan menteri besar and state PKR chairman Aminuddin Harun, and natural resources and environmental sustainability minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad — will all be defending their posts. Other party leaders vying for the vice-presidency are Bayan Baru MP Sim Tze Tzin, deputy entrepreneur and cooperatives development minister R Ramanan, Segamat MP R Yuneswaran, PKR deputy secretary-general Dr N Sathia Prakash, senator Abun Sui Anyit, former Selangor exco member Hee Loy Sian, and former vice-president Mustaffa Kamil Ayub. Chang's interest in politics was ignited following the sacking of then deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim in 1998, which triggered the 'reformasi' movement and led to PKR's formation in 2003. He joined PKR the following year, during a period when the party struggled to gain a foothold in Malaysia's political landscape after a poor electoral performance in a general election that saw Abdullah Ahmad Badawi achieve a landslide victory one year after succeeding Dr Mahathir Mohamad as prime minister. 'Those were dark days. Many left, but I stayed because I believed in what we stood for.' But his loyalty came at a cost. Chang was among those arrested for attending the Bersih 2.0 rally in 2011 and the #KitaLawan rally in 2015. Refusing to be cowed by those arrests and convinced about the reform agenda PKR was pushing, premised on the party's core values of upholding justice, he stood his ground and resisted the temptation to defect to other parties. Still, he is aware that there are those who feel PKR has not done enough to live up to expectations. 'Judge us in the next few years before GE16.' General elections are of significance to Chang's political career. First elected to public office in 2008 after winning the Teja state seat in Perak by a wafer-thin 175-vote majority, he went on to defend the seat with a bigger majority of 2,082 in 2013. Chang secured 9,732 votes in a straight fight with MCA's Yew Sau Kham who managed 7,650 votes. He also prides himself as a risk taker, saying he has never once been asked to stand in a safe seat. In 2018, PKR asked him to contest the Tanjung Malim parliamentary seat, a Barisan Nasional stronghold which MCA had held for three consecutive terms. 'I didn't hesitate. And we won it.' Chang won the seat with a 5,358 majority in a three-cornered fight, securing 24,672 votes ahead of MCA's Mah Hang Soon, who received 19,314 votes. He retained the seat in 2022 with a 3,541 majority, beating Perikatan Nasional's Nolee Ashilin Radzi into second place, with Mah coming in third in a six-cornered fight.
Free Malaysia Today
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Reformasi once at coffee shops, now in hotels, says Wong Chen
Subang MP Wong Chen has highlighted a shift in expectations among PKR members, saying they now want party events to be hosted at comfortable venues. KUALA LUMPUR : PKR MP Wong Chen has questioned the source of funds used to hold party events, lamenting that such events never used to be so lavish in the past. Speaking at a book launch here today, the Subang MP highlighted a shift in expectations among PKR members, saying they now want party events to be hosted at comfortable venues. Noting an increasing use of hotels for political events, Wong questioned the source of funding for such gatherings. 'In the past, our reformasi events were held at coffee shops and huts (pondok). Now, they're in hotels. Where's the money coming from? I honestly don't know,' he said. He said his salary of RM16,000 a month was barely enough to support his family, let alone fund political activities or events. 'We're underpaid for the expenses we bear, especially in hiring staff and running our constituencies,' he said, suggesting that Malaysia follow Singapore's model of higher salaries for elected officials. He was speaking at the launch of the book Misgovernance: Grand Corruption in Malaysia by Center to Combat Corruption and Cronyism chairman Edmund Terence Gomez. Wong also called for a fairer allocation of constituency development funds, which are currently not given to opposition MPs. 'Malaysia has rural areas and unique political needs, so we still need these funds – about RM3.5 million annually – for MPs to carry out community work. But the opposition must also receive them,' he said. He warned that opposition MPs might be tempted to defect for political gain without equitable funding.
