DATUK Seri Rafizi Ramli continues to exert a pivotal influence on Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) despite his recent defeat in the party elections and his exit from the Cabinet, according to Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Abdul Karim.
Hassan asserted that Rafizi’s departure from government has offered unexpected benefits, allowing the former Minister of Economy to speak freely in Parliament and through social media podcasts.
“The action of the Pandan Member of Parliament has revived public hope in PKR as a progressive and multiracial reformist party,” he said, highlighting the renewed public confidence in PKR as a multiracial, reform-oriented party.
He added that Rafizi’s continued activism outside the administration has created space for fresh political ideas while maintaining loyalty to the party’s ideals, which prioritise the people over the elites.
Hassan also noted a clear distinction between Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s Madani government and PKR as a party, despite the party being supported by over a million members.
He suggested that while the government could change before the 16th General Election, Rafizi’s current role provides potential for a revitalisation of PKR.
Hassan linked the divergence in views between Anwar and senior PKR leaders, including Rafizi, to the Reciprocal Tariff Agreement (ART) signed by the Prime Minister with former US President Donald Trump in Kuala Lumpur on 26 October 2025.
“The ART issue is not a small matter as it involves national policy, independence, and sovereignty, which are the core principles of PKR’s struggle,” he emphasised.
Despite these differences, Hassan praised the party’s leadership and Anwar’s restraint in not taking disciplinary action against outspoken members, whether inside or outside Parliament. “In this matter, I pay my respects to the Prime Minister,” he said.
Rafizi had confirmed on 28 May that he submitted his resignation as Minister of Economy to Anwar, effective 17 June.
Appointed to the post on 3 December 2022 after Pakatan Harapan’s victory in the 15th General Election, he failed to retain the position of PKR Deputy President, losing to Nurul Izzah Anwar in the party elections in Johor Bahru, with 3,866 votes to her 9,803. - November 20, 2025
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