Malaysia's Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli announced his resignation from the cabinet following his defeat in the ruling People's Justice Party (PKR) deputy presidency election to Nurul Izzah Anwar, daughter of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
Rafizi declared his resignation on Wednesday, stating, "My defeat in the recent PKR party election means I no longer have the mandate from my party to translate the people's agenda—championed by PKR—into government policy." He added that, in keeping with democratic norms, party leaders who lose internal elections should yield their government positions to the victors.
The PKR deputy president race concluded last week with Nurul Izzah Anwar securing nearly 10,000 votes compared to Rafizi's approximately 4,000. The contest was notably competitive and attracted significant attention due to the prospect of a leadership duo in the party comprising a father and his daughter.
Despite criticisms and allegations of nepotism surrounding Nurul Izzah's candidacy, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim dismissed such claims, emphasizing his daughter's established political career. Nurul Izzah, a three-term Member of Parliament, rose to prominence advocating political reforms, especially during the period when her father was imprisoned in the late 1990s.
Rafizi had previously indicated he would resign from his cabinet role if he lost the party election. His resignation is set to take effect on June 17, 2025.
