Former Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli has weighed in on the growing debate over ministerial resignations, arguing that the issue should not revolve around political posturing but whether ministers can effectively serve the rakyat when confidence within the government has eroded.
In a lengthy social media post, Rafizi described the current exchanges between political leaders over who should resign as the latest episode in what he called Malaysia’s recurring “political skit” centred on calls for resignation.
His remarks come amid recent public statements involving Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Akmal Saleh, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi over whether ministers should step down following criticism directed at the federal government during the Negeri Sembilan state election campaign.
Rafizi said Malaysia has little tradition of voluntary ministerial resignations, noting that politicians often cling to office for as long as possible.
Reflecting on his own resignation from the Cabinet, he said he was among the few individuals in the country’s history to voluntarily relinquish a ministerial post.
According to Rafizi, ministers take an oath to serve the people and execute their responsibilities to the best of their ability. However, he argued that such responsibilities can only be fulfilled effectively if they enjoy the confidence and trust of the prime minister, who ultimately directs the administration and government machinery.
Without that confidence, he said, even well-intentioned policies and ideas would struggle to gain institutional support or be implemented effectively.
Rafizi explained that this principle was the reason behind his own resignation, saying it was better to allow someone who commanded the prime minister’s confidence to lead the ministry and ensure government plans could be carried out.
He argued that the current debate over ministerial resignations should instead focus on a more fundamental question: what benefit do Malaysians receive from having ministers serving in a government where mutual trust and confidence have visibly deteriorated.
The former minister also criticised both sides of the political divide.
He claimed that Umno, Barisan Nasional, PAS and Perikatan Nasional were more focused on attempting to take over the federal government than addressing public concerns, while suggesting that if Umno continued backing Anwar’s administration, the unity government risked appearing disingenuous because of apparent differences between public support and private criticism.
Rafizi further alleged that some Umno ministers who had publicly praised the prime minister while serving in Cabinet were now openly critical, describing the situation as politically contradictory.
He acknowledged that Anwar and Pakatan Harapan would seek to preserve the unity government but argued that the current political tensions stemmed from the decision to include Umno in the administration, resulting in eight Umno ministers joining the Cabinet.
Looking ahead, Rafizi expressed scepticism that ministers would prioritise the oath they took upon assuming office, arguing that political manoeuvring had overtaken the responsibility of governing.
He concluded that while the public may be frustrated by the current political climate, it reflects a political culture that has long prioritised the pursuit of power over principles and effective governance.
