PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has expressed hope that Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad will reconsider their resignations and remain in the Cabinet, indicating that he has yet to approve their departure formally.
“The letters (of resignation) have been received, but I have not accepted them,” Anwar told reporters following a closed-door Seminar on Organisational Strengthening and Party President’s Engagement held in Melaka yesterday.
“If possible, I want them to remain (in the Cabinet)... let them think about it,” he said, referring to the two ministers who had tendered resignations following their defeat in last month’s party elections.
Rafizi holds the portfolio of Minister of Economy, while Nik Nazmi serves as Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability.
Calling for reconciliation within the party, Anwar urged members to mend ties and focus on the larger goals of the party, despite dissatisfaction surrounding the recent party polls.
“Imagine, I can work with UMNO—hugging and all. Party members must move on for the greater agenda. If I can work with UMNO, surely I can work with friends who hold different views,” he said in his speech at the gathering.
In a separate development, Anwar confirmed that the government funded former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s recent trip to Japan to attend the 30th Nikkei International Conference in May, approving an estimated RM486,000 for the visit.
“There are provisions allowing the Prime Minister to approve such travel requests from former prime ministers. He applied, and I approved it—even though I recall around nine people (in the delegation), maybe seven were approved,” Anwar explained.
Acknowledging Dr Mahathir’s frequent criticism, Anwar said that the former leader still retains the right to apply for support under the existing policy framework.
“People ask why we paid? He has the right to apply, but approval rests with the Prime Minister. I don’t want any misunderstanding… even if he attacks us daily, we still approved it,” he remarked.
Dr Mahathir delivered a keynote at the Nikkei forum, during which he hinted that it may be his final participation in the long-standing conference on Asia’s economy, technology, and future.
Last night, Anwar underscored the need for state governments to align with federal priorities under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), urging them to concentrate on high-impact sectors such as the electrical and electronics industry to bolster national GDP.
“The priorities set by central agencies, the Ministry of Economy, and state governments must align and respond to the people’s actual needs,” he said following a special development meeting with Melaka state officials.
Anwar noted that Melaka’s Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh, had submitted a wishlist that includes road and flood mitigation projects, hospital upgrades, school construction, public housing, and tourism infrastructure.
He also called on civil servants to enhance project execution and avoid delays that could place unnecessary financial strain on the federal government.
The Melaka meeting was the final state-level consultation before the federal government finalises project proposals for the 13MP, which will be refined in advance of the 2026 Budget presentation in October. - June 13, 2025
