DESPITE his recent defeat in the PKR elections, Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli should not leave the party nor step down from his position as Economy Minister.
Former Umno youth chief, Khairy Jamaluddin said even without a key party position, Rafizi was able to contribute numerous ideas and energy.
"I see no reason or need for him to leave PKR or to form a new party because I know how committed he has been to the PKR struggle since its early days," he said as reported by Sinar Daily.
In the recent PKR Central Leadership Election, Rafizi was defeated by Nurul Izzah Anwar for the deputy presidency.
Izzah secured 9,803 votes, while Rafizi garnered 3,866 votes.
The Pandan MP previously lost the race for the PKR deputy presidency in 2018 to former Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali.
However, he made a comeback with a victory in the 2022 party election, defeating former PKR secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution.
Khairy, a former Youth and Sports Minister also said that Rafizi should not step down as the Economy Minister, as he is seen as capable of leading the ministry effectively.
"Rafizi mentioned that, as a matter of principle, someone holding a senior position in a party that forms the Unity Government should relinquish their ministerial role if they no longer hold a party post.
“But in my view, that isn’t necessarily the case because many are appointed to ministerial roles based on their capabilities, even if they hold no influence within the party.
"Ministerial appointments are made not only based on party positions but also on the individual’s credibility and ability," he added. – May 28, 2025
