Rafizi Defends Resignation, Criticizes the Performance of the Education Ministry

PETALING JAYA, June 20— Former Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli has defended his early resignation from the Cabinet, saying it was the responsible course of action after losing the confidence of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. During his resignation, he also criticized the education ministry for its perceived lack of progress in policy reforms.

Speaking in the debut episode of his new podcast, Yang Berhenti Menteri, Rafizi said he refused to become a “lame duck” or a “yes man” following his defeat to Nurul Izzah Anwar in the contest for the deputy president post of Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) last month.

“It was clear I had lost the prime minister’s confidence, which made it impossible to carry out meaningful reforms. Better to step down than to stay on and become ineffective,” he said.

Rafizi pushed back against criticism of his resignation, highlighting the accomplishments during his tenure, including reforms in the labor market, targeted subsidies, the 13th Malaysia Plan, energy transition policies, fiscal reforms, and digital governance initiatives.

“About 80% of what I planned was approved by the Cabinet. These are all completed,” he said.

Rafizi pointedly questioned why critics were focusing on his departure instead of the performance of other ministries. “The economy ministry gets all the questions. Please inquire with the education ministry, as it has been two and a half years. Could you please provide an update on the status of the major policy framework? Nothing. But they’re busy talking about someone who resigned.”

No Intention to Be a Figurehead

Rafizi said staying on in the Cabinet would have either reduced him to a powerless figurehead or led to continued rejection of his policies.

“When Nurul Izzah contested against me, it was clear she had Anwar’s blessing. That sends a signal to the civil service that I no longer have the prime minister’s support,” he explained. “If I had stayed on, I would have dragged the ministry down. Unless I was willing to just clock in and out every day—but that’s not who I am.”

On Being a Team Player

Rafizi refuted accusations of lack of teamwork by highlighting his leadership roles in Petronas and his grassroots mobilization efforts during the 2018 general election, which resulted in PKR winning over 40 seats.

“Being a team player doesn’t mean saying yes to everything,” he said. “A strong leader surrounds themselves with people who have the courage to disagree—people who are competent and have integrity, not just ‘yes men.’”

Rafizi also dismissed rumors about his plans to start a new political party, warning that such moves would only destabilize the political landscape.

Additionally, Rafizi denied reports that he intended to form a new political party, cautioning that such actions would only cause political instability.

“We don’t need new drama. We need to focus on what matters,” he said, while acknowledging that many long-time PKR supporters feel disillusioned. He added that he intends to continue engaging with grassroots supporters to push for meaningful change outside of a formal office.

“Politics is about responsible and ethical distribution of resources and values. I find satisfaction in making real change, not just holding office,” he concluded.