KUALA LUMPUR – Despite his defeat in the PKR deputy presidency contest, Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli attended the 46th Asean Summit at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) on Tuesday, continuing his official duties amid uncertainty over his Cabinet role.
The economy minister took part in the 16th Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Summit, which began at 8 am, local media reported.
The meeting was attended by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, among other regional leaders.
Upon arrival, Rafizi greeted Anwar and other Asean delegates. Also present were Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.
Before the summit commenced, the leaders posed for a group photograph. Anwar stood between Marcos and Prabowo, while Rafizi was beside Asean Secretary-General Dr Kao Kim Hourn.
President Marcos delivered the opening address ahead of closed-door sessions.
The summit’s second day will include the second Asean-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit and the inaugural Asean-GCC-China Summit.
On May 10, Rafizi said he was prepared to step down from his ministerial role should he fail to defend his position as PKR deputy president in the party elections held on May 23.
He pledged to return to grassroots leadership and intensify his efforts in party campaigning.
Ultimately, Rafizi was defeated by Nurul Izzah Anwar, who won with 9,803 votes to the Pandan MP’s 3,866. – May 27, 2025