PKR is done with Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli. The writing is not even on the wall, it’s on the economy minister’s forehead.
The fact that Puteri Reformasi Nurul Izzah Anwar has been given the mandate to challenge the incumbent party No 2, tells us that the party has fallen out of love with the once wonderboy of the Reformasi movement.
What is jarring about Nurul Izzah’s decision to contest is that she did so following intense push from countless quarters within PKR. From divisional leaders to state chapters to wing leaders, many have called upon the former Permatang Pauh MP to challenge Rafizi, the Pandan MP, for the deputy presidency in the central leadership council elections on May 23.
That some of his allies have lost in party divisional elections indicates how the votes will go for Rafizi.
“I think members had enough of the sulking and the tantrums and the disappearing acts,” said a senior party member.
“We need mature and effective leaders,” he said, alluding to Rafizi’s penchant for making himself scarce when he is needed the most.
In the midst of an economic crisis, with the tariff onslaught, the economy minister decides to go on leave.
Whether it is on the prime minister’s trade trips or a counter against the tariffs, the question on everyone’s lips is “where is Rafizi?”
A minister in charge of the economy is expected to take the lead in explaining to Malaysians how Trump’s tariffs are going to affect their livelihood, but Rafizi was absent during the special parliamentary session on the US tariffs on May 5. However, he was present at a party meeting the day before.
Tells a lot about his priorities.
Instead, we have a senator in the form of Investment, Trade, and Industry (Miti) Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz, assuring the public, darting off to Washington, and explaining how we are going to navigate this period of uncertainty.
Being missing in action (MIA) from the whole tariff issue inevitably draws focus to Rafizi’s performance as minister.
He has been tasked with spearheading the targeted RON95 subsidy removal, registering Malaysians with the government’s Central Database Hub (PADU), and spearheading Inisiatif Pendapatan Rakyat (IPR) aimed at improving socioeconomic conditions of poor Malaysians.
But now, we are left wondering: what is the progress with these initiatives?
How many B40 families have benefited from IPR to date?
Rafizi reportedly said last year that the development and implementation of PADU system over three years from 2023 to this year is expected to cost RM85.27 million.
How many Malaysians are registered with PADU so far? Have the cybersecurity issues raised in the past regarding the database been fully rectified? Is PADU completely foolproof?
Rafizi should be responding to these questions, as PADU is blowing up in the face of the Madani government.
This is the same man who has faced legal repercussions in the past for taking on the National Feedlot Corporation (NFC) and the 1 Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) scandals, which made him a household name.
This is the same man who re-energised PKR in 2022 with the “Ayuh Malaysia” campaign after it was heavily battered by countless defections of its former leaders and losses in Melaka and Johor state elections.
With everything that he has done for his party and country over the years, one is flabbergasted that Rafizi appears to be sabotaging his own legacy.
What is more alarming is that Rafizi’s absence here seems to be a continuation of a trend from the past, where he would be missing during crucial moments.
This is the same person who has taken a hiatus in the past and not carried out his responsibilities as then-PKR vice-president when the party needed him, especially prior to the 2018 general elections.
In the last PKR polls in 2018, Rafizi lost to incumbent deputy president Datuk Seri Azmin Ali.
He was, however, appointed a vice-president in the PKR central leadership council for the 2018-2021 session.
But on December 10, 2019, Rafizi left the party to focus on his start-up, Invoke.
Even after the 2020 Sheraton Move, Rafizi remained out of sight until the 2022 PKR elections, when he emerged out of the woodwork to contest the deputy president position.
Malaysians are looking for solid leadership in times of economic uncertainty. Not erratic behaviour from someone with the potential and desire to be prime minister.
The problem with Rafizi is, he doesn’t have the leverage to play the “my way or the highway” card.
He has overplayed his hand, and his supporters have oversold him.
Eventually, the people will be able to see through the tough talk and realise that there’s more form than substance. – May 12, 2025
R.Dineskumar is Scoop’s northern correspondent