Rafizi announces resignation from Cabinet, effective June 17

SHAH ALAM – Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli has officially tendered his resignation from the Cabinet, with his departure set to take effect on June 17.

He will utilise his remaining annual leave starting from today until his resignation date.

In a statement, Rafizi said his decision follows his recent defeat in the PKR party election, which means he no longer holds the party’s mandate to carry forward its agenda within the government.

"I entered politics to cultivate a new political culture based on accountability and the people’s mandate. My recent defeat in the PKR party election means I no longer have the mandate from my party to translate PKR's advocated agenda into government programmes.

"As is the practice in countries that uphold democratic principles, leaders who lose in party elections should make way for the winning leaders to take their place in government,” he said.

Rafizi said his final task as Economy Minister was to complete the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), which is now finalised and ready to be tabled in Parliament. - Bernama photo

He conveyed his sincere gratitude to the leadership and civil servants of the Economy Ministry for their steadfast support throughout his time in office.

He shared his admiration for the dedication and professionalism of many civil servants, whom he has seen first-hand develop sound policies and implement them through well-structured programmes.

Rafizi said his final task as Economy Minister was to complete the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), which is now finalised and ready to be tabled in Parliament.

The 13MP, he revealed, includes comprehensive educational reforms and bold structural changes involving the Ministry of Education.

"I hope the Cabinet will continue to uphold the bold reforms involving the Ministry of Education in the 13MP, even though I will no longer be part of it.

"Finally, I would like to express my appreciation to the people of Malaysia, civil servants, the private sector, the media and all stakeholders who have worked with me throughout my time as Economy Minister.

"Our journey to transform the structure of the national economy into one that is stronger and capable of achieving high-income nation status is still far from over.

“Therefore, we must continue to make good long-term decisions, even when difficult and complex, for the sake of future generations,” he added.