KUALA LUMPUR – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has confirmed that the Economy Ministry will remain intact despite Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli’s decision to step down from Cabinet.
Speaking at the Energy Asia 2025 conference, Anwar expressed his appreciation for Rafizi’s contributions, saying: “I wish him all the best – he has performed his duties excellently.”
He added that there is no need to dissolve the ministry and stressed that discussions on its leadership would be made in due time.
“I will decide, at the appropriate time, which minister or ministry will take over the responsibility,” he said.
Anwar’s remarks come amid speculation over the future of the ministry following Rafizi’s announcement to resign from his ministerial post.
He noted that the ministry, formerly the Economic Planning Unit (EPU) under the Prime Minister’s Department, had been elevated to a full ministry during the first Pakatan Harapan (PH) administration.
“There is no issue of a change (in the ministry’s structure). The Cabinet and I determine the structure, and for now, I don’t see the need to make any changes,” he said.
Commenting on the upcoming 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), which is expected to be tabled in Parliament this July, Anwar said it is a collective responsibility of the Cabinet, with the Economy Ministry serving as the lead secretariat.
He added that various policy adjustments are currently underway in light of the evolving economic landscape, including tariff changes that impact the nation’s key economic projections.
“Last week, we also held a meeting to gather input from ministries regarding new policy adjustments,” he said.
On May 28, Rafizi announced his resignation and began a leave of absence, which ends today.
Asked about the resignation of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, Anwar said the matter has yet to be finalised, as he preferred to allow time and space before making a decision.
“I usually wait, give space. I think, reflect, and then I share my view. If possible, (let him) continue serving as there is still time (before the resignation takes effect),” he said.
Nik Nazmi had also announced his resignation on May 28, and is currently on leave until July 3.
Meanwhile, Anwar said the proposed adjustment to the price of RON95 petrol will not adversely impact the majority of Malaysians, particularly the 85 to 90 percent of the population.
He dismissed opposition claims that the public is suffering due to the subsidy rationalisation policy, describing them as desperate political gimmicks aimed at pushing a negative narrative.
Anwar said the government’s subsidy reforms are a necessary step to ensure national resources are effectively channelled towards supporting low-income groups.
“We need adequate resources to help the poor, improve the quality of education and provide better public services, including in healthcare,” he said.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the policy despite criticism, saying it forms part of a broader economic reform agenda aimed at achieving long-term fiscal sustainability. – June 16, 2025