Malaysia’s economy and environment ministers resign after party election defeat
Rafizi’s resignation takes effect June 17 while Nik Nazmi’s last day will be on July 4
[KUALA LUMPUR] Malaysia’s economy and environment ministers said on Wednesday (May 28) they had submitted their resignations to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, after both lost their leadership positions in the premier’s political party.
Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli said he resigned from the Cabinet after Anwar’s daughter, Nurul Izzah Anwar, defeated him in an internal party election last week for the position of deputy president of the People’s Justice Party.
Rafizi, whose resignation takes effect June 17, said his defeat meant that he no longer had a mandate from his party to deliver on its policy agenda. “As is the practice in countries that emphasise democratic principles, leaders who lose in party elections must make way for the winning leaders to take their place in government,” he said in a statement.
Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad was the only one of four vice-presidents of the People’s Justice Party not re-elected in the party ballot. He was defeated by a deputy minister.
“I am aware that my position at the time as vice-president was one of the main considerations in my appointment to the Cabinet,” he said in a statement, adding his resignation would take effect July 4.
“Considering that I failed to retain that position in the recent party elections, I have decided to resign as minister.”
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It was not immediately clear if Anwar’s daughter would be given a post in the Cabinet. Reuters has contacted Anwar’s office seeking comment on both resignations.
Rafizi and Nik Nazmi, who have been ministers since 2022, both said they will be on leave from ministerial duties until their resignations take effect.
Rafizi said his final mandate has been fulfilled with the completion of the 13th Malaysia Plan, which advocates comprehensive education reform and is due to be submitted to parliament in the next session.
“I hope the Cabinet will maintain some of the bold reforms ... even though I will no longer be in the Cabinet,” he said.
Nik Nazmi said he looked forward to focusing on his responsibilities as a member of parliament for his constituency.
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