KUALA LUMPUR – Economic Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli’s emotionally charged remarks, including his declaration that he would resign from Cabinet if he fails to retain the PKR deputy presidency, have not worked in his favour but have instead sparked negative public perception, according to a political analyst.
Speaking to Scoop, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) academic Associate Professor Mazlan Ali said Rafizi should embrace the democratic process within the party rather than resort to emotional ultimatums.
“As a politician, he must manage challenges constructively and not create a narrative that paints a negative image of PKR President Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim should he lose the contest,” he said.
“If Rafizi chooses to resign after losing the party polls, then he must bear the consequences.
“He will create a negative perception through that decision — people will say he can’t take the heat in politics, and so the perception is born.
“Rafizi must accept democracy. Winning or losing is part and parcel of any contest. If the grassroots or the party no longer want us, that’s fine — try again in the next election,” he added.
Rafizi had earlier announced his intention to vacate his Cabinet post if he fails to defend his party position. However, he said he would continue serving as a Member of Parliament as he remains committed to his duties as an elected representative.
In a recent campaign speech in Kulim, Kedah, Rafizi urged PKR delegates to support former Permatang Pauh MP Nurul Izzah Anwar as the party’s next deputy president. He argued that if she loses, it could lead to a perception that party members are rejecting Anwar’s leadership.
Mazlan, however, believes there is no need for Rafizi to resign from his ministerial post, and instead, he should focus on resolving internal party matters effectively.
“Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution lost the deputy presidency in the past but remained in Cabinet without issue.
“Even if Rafizi loses, there’s no need for him to step down as Economic Affairs Minister. He can continue serving — the party position has no bearing on his Cabinet role,” he said.
Mazlan also commented on the possibility of Nurul Izzah being appointed to Cabinet if she secures the deputy presidency, saying it was far from guaranteed.
“If Nurul Izzah wins the PKR deputy presidency, it doesn’t automatically mean she’ll be appointed to Cabinet.
“Take Tun Ghafar Baba, for example — he was a senior figure in Umno, served as vice-president for many years, but was not appointed to the Cabinet.
“This is entirely at the Prime Minister’s discretion. There is no rule that says a party’s deputy president must be given a ministerial post. And even if she is appointed, she won’t replace Rafizi as Economic Affairs Minister,” he said.
This year’s PKR deputy presidency race sees Rafizi going head-to-head with vice-president Nurul Izzah. The party polls will be held in Johor Bahru from May 22 to 24. – May 14, 2025.