ECONOMY Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli has once again hinted at a possible departure from his Cabinet position, saying his presence in the role is “temporary” and that continuity in national policy should not depend on political personalities or the current administration.
Speaking at the “JS-SEZ Partners Dialogue: Advancing Facilitation” in the capital today, Rafizi said, “My presence here may be temporary, and eventually there will be another Minister of Economy to take over.
“However, what I want to emphasise is that policy continuity must not depend on the current administration or the personal whims of any one politician.”
The dialogue was also attended by Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi and focused on advancing the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) initiative.
Rafizi acknowledged that questions over ministerial changes have long circulated, even before the upcoming 2025 PKR party elections. These concerns have included the potential impact of such changes on major investments like the JS-SEZ.
“A good policy should remain consistent,” he said. “Based on my experience in administration, I hope this continuity is maintained, regardless of who the next minister is.”
He stressed the strategic importance of the JS-SEZ, calling it “too big, too important, and too valuable for the country to be sidelined”.
His latest remarks come two weeks after reports emerged that Rafizi had expressed a desire to resign during a private meeting with supporters, following a Central Leadership Council (MPP) meeting of PKR on 23 April.
Rafizi, who also serves as PKR deputy president, has been a central figure in shaping Malaysia’s current economic strategy but has occasionally voiced frustration over political constraints and public expectations. - May 19, 2025
