Cover image via Harian Metro
Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli has submitted his resignation letter to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim
In a statement posted on Facebook today, 28 May, the former PKR deputy president said his resignation will take effect on 17 June, and he will be utilising the remainder of his annual leave from today until 16 June.
His resignation comes days after he lost in the PKR election against Anwar's daughter, Nurul Izzah Anwar.
He had earlier stated his intention to quit as economy minister and go back to being a regular member of parliament if he failed to be re-elected to PKR's No. 2 post.
"I entered politics to cultivate a new political culture based on accountability and the people's mandate. My recent defeat in the PKR party elections means that I no longer have the mandate from my party to execute the rakyat's agenda, championed by PKR, into government programmes.
"I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Economy Ministry's leadership and staff members, who have given me their full support throughout my time here. I have personally witnessed the efficiency and capability of the majority of civil servants here, who can formulate effective policies followed by programme frameworks," Rafizi said.
He also highlighted the completion of the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13), his final task as the Economy Minister.
He said RMK13 now awaits presentation in parliament, noting that the plan emphasises comprehensive education reform, including structural changes within the Education Ministry.
He expressed hope that the cabinet would retain these "bold reforms" despite his departure.
Image via Bernama via New Straits Times
Concluding his statement, Rafizi extended his appreciation to the rakyat, civil servants, the private sector, media, and all stakeholders he had worked with during his tenure
"Our journey to transform the country's economic structure to be more robust and achieve high-income nation status is still long.
"Therefore, we should continue to make good decisions for the long term, even if those decisions are difficult and challenging, for the sake of future generations," said the 47-year-old politician.
Rafizi's resignation comes a week after the Economy Ministry passed the full implementation of the targeted RON95 fuel subsidies to the Finance Ministry.
Last Friday, 23 May, Nurul Izzah defeated Rafizi in the contest for the PKR deputy president post with a total of 9,803 votes, reported FMT.
