30/05/2025

FRIDAY | MAY 30, 2025

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MPs deny claims of withdrawing support for Anwar KUALA LUMPUR: Two PKR MPs have denied allegations that they, along with nine others, have withdrawn their support for party president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Vice-president Chang Lih Kang described the allegations as ridiculous. “Rafizi and Nik Nazmi’s resignation from the Cabinet is out of decorum and in the spirit of democracy. Others need not sully the waters. That’s all,”the Tanjung Malim MP posted on Facebook. Rumours have swirled following a screenshot on WhatsApp and a post by blogger Wan Muhammad Azri Wan Deris, also known as Papagomo, claiming that 11 MPs – Rafizi (Pandan), Nik Nazmi (Setiawangsa), Chang (Tanjung Malim), Tan Kar Hing (Gopeng), Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir (Johor Bahru), Wong Chen (Subang), Zahir Hassan (Wangsa Maju), Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh (Ledang), Lee Chean Chung (Petaling Jaya), Onn Abu Bakar (Batu Pahat) and Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun (Port Dickson) – have withdrawn support for Anwar and will hold a media conference today regarding the matter. Tan condemned the allegations on Facebook, describing them as malicious political slander. “I strongly deny the allegations made by Muhammad Azri. My stand and idealism in the struggle have not changed even with the recent party election results,” he wrote, adding that he has sought legal advice and has not ruled out taking action. – Bernama ‘Rafizi, Nik Nazmi withdrawal from Cabinet a principled stand’ KUALA LUMPUR: The decision by Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad to resign from the Cabinet is a principled move that must be respected, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. He added that both Rafizi and Nik Nazmi had made effective contributions and supported all government decisions. “They are principled. That was their promise, to resign if they lost in the PKR election and we respect that stance. “Although we do not interfere in a party’s internal matters, on behalf of our colleagues in the Cabinet, I feel that they have made significant contributions and collectively supported all Cabinet decisions,” he said. Ahmad Zahid was speaking after attending the recording of the Desaku Mendunia concert and the pre-launch ceremony of the 3D Mega Carnival at Angkasapuri on Wednesday. He added that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has the sole authority to appoint successors from PKR to fill the vacancies. “Leaders come and go, and so do ministers. The prime minister will select the best individuals from the party to serve in the Cabinet.” Earlier on Wednesday, Rafizi and Nik Nazmi announced their resignations from the Cabinet, effective June 17 and July 4 respectively, following their defeats in the PKR elections held last week. Rafizi failed to retain his position as deputy president after losing to Nurul Izzah Anwar, while Nik Nazmi lost in the contest for a vice-president post. The Prime Minister’s Office, in a statement on Wednesday, said Anwar had received letters from Rafizi and Nik Nazmi requesting leave and resignation from their Cabinet posts. It stated that Anwar had approved both leave applications and that any further decisions on their resignations would be announced later. – Bernama

‘Resignations signal shift in PKR, not threat to govt’ o Exit of ministers unlikely to destabilise administration amid speculation of Cabinet reshuffle, say analysts PEOPLE FAVOURITES ... Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi arriving for the Prime Minister’s Monthly Assembly at Puspanitapuri Dewan De Seri Endon in Putrajaya yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC

“I believe the prime minister already has a plan to fix the situation, likely through a reshuffle before the Sabah state election.” He added that further resignations are unlikely to destabilise the party, describing the resignations as a result of democratic elections in which the grassroots had chosen their leaders. Universiti Sains Malaysia political analyst Prof Datuk Dr Sivamurugan Pandian viewed Rafizi’s resignation as a principled move in line with his campaign promise. “Rafizi’s decision is consistent with what he said during the campaign. He’s sticking to his word to avoid questions about his political integrity.” However, Sivamurugan added that others aligned with Rafizi might follow if the decision is part of a broader collective stand. He also said the moment could serve as a political reset. “I strongly believe there will be a reshuffle and this may be the right time for the prime minister to retain, drop or bring in new appointments to shape the Cabinet for the next general election. “This is democracy at work, a reflection of political rights and integrity. It could be a collective decision to show that the party matters more than personalities.” Rafizi and Nik Nazmi announced their resignations on Wednesday via social media following their defeats in the recent PKR internal elections. Rafizi’s resignation will take effect on June 17, while Nik Nazmi’s will be effective July 4. On Thursday, Anwar said a Cabinet reshuffle is not currently under consideration, adding that ministers cannot be replaced while they are on leave.

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

might step into a formal role following the resignations, but Mohammad Tawfik believes this is unlikely. “Her previous role as PKR vice-president already qualified her for a significant position, but she wasn’t appointed. “That shows caution on the part of both her and the party. If she were appointed now, it would send a negative signal and invite further accusations of nepotism,” he said. On the potential impact among young voters, who once viewed Rafizi and Nik Nazmi as key reform voices, Mohammad Tawfik acknowledged there may be some disappointment, although not a dramatic shift. “Their actions were bold but also irresponsible, especially when the country had just hosted the Asean Summit and was working to strengthen economic and political stability. “Still, youths today are more pragmatic and do not follow leaders blindly.” Universiti Teknologi Malaysia political analyst Assoc Prof Dr Mazlan Ali also downplayed the risk of instability, pointing to the unity government’s strong two-thirds majority in Parliament. He noted that Rafizi had already indicated he would resign if he lost the PKR deputy presidency, while Nik Nazmi’s decision appeared tied to his support for Rafizi and his own recent loss at the branch level.

PETALING unexpected resignations of Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli as Economy minister and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad as Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability minister – both prominent PKR reformists – have sparked speculation about a possible Cabinet reshuffle and the internal direction of the party. Political analysts maintain that while the move signals a shift in the leadership dynamics of PKR, it is unlikely to threaten the stability of the Madani government. Universiti Malaya political analyst Dr Mohammad Tawfik Yaakub believes there is no immediate need for a reshuffle, suggesting instead that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim could use the situation to consolidate and streamline ministries. “The prime minister could merge the Economy Ministry into the Finance and International Trade and Industry Ministry portfolios, and the Natural Resources Ministry into the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry. “This move would not only address the current vacancies in these two ministries but also help reduce administrative costs and enhance government efficiency through consolidation,” he said. Speculation has also swirled over whether Anwar’s daughter Nurul Izzah JAYA: The