Rafizi's resignation opens Cabinet reshuffle window for Anwar - Analysts

SHAH ALAM – While Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli’s resignation does not currently form part of a broader midterm Cabinet reshuffle, political analysts suggest the situation opens a strategic window for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to reorganise his Cabinet.

International Islamic University Malaysia's Head of the Political Science Department, Professor Dr Syaza Shukri described that Rafizi’s departure centres on a fundamental disagreement over internal party democracy and the legitimacy of ministers holding office after losing party elections.

Rafizi Ramli (left) and Nurul Izzah (right) - Photo illustrated by Sinar Daily

“Rafizi’s resignation does not appear to be part of a broader midterm reshuffle; I do not see it that way. Rather, it reflects a deeper disagreement about the role of internal party democracy, particularly the question of whether someone who loses a party election should continue holding a ministerial post.

"It is a significant moment for PKR, as it raises questions about the party’s direction,” she told Sinar Daily.

Syaza also examined the strategic rationale behind positioning PKR’s newly appointed deputy president Nurul Izzah Anwar as a senator and possibly a minister.

This move, she stated, aims to strengthen and restructure the party. Given her new role in the party, placing Nurul Izzah in the senate is a logical step, signalling the party’s commitment to regrouping and preparing for the future.

The reshuffling of ministerial roles could also influence the delicate balance between the Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition.

“There could be some impact on the PH-BN dynamic if both replacements — for the Economy Ministry and Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry (Miti) — come from PKR.

"However, if Nurul Izzah fills one role and someone from BN is appointed to the other, it would help preserve the political balance,” she said.

Though uncertain about a full Cabinet reshuffle at this point, Syaza recognised that the current political context presents an opportunity.

“I am not certain if Anwar is planning a full reshuffle, but the current situation offers a legitimate opening to do so.

"The challenge, however, is identifying which ministers might be replaced without straining ties with coalition partners. Replacing someone like Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi, who also lost in the party polls, could be one option, but that seems unlikely at this point,” she said.

Any changes that result in a more cohesive Cabinet, one that supports Anwar’s leadership and improves government performance, would be welcomed, Syaza added.

Meanwhile, Universiti Sains Malaysia political analyst, Professor Datuk Dr Sivamurugan Pandian viewed Rafizi’s resignation as consistent with the politician’s earlier campaign promises and a move to maintain credibility.

“Rafizi’s decision aligns with what he said during the campaign period and I believe he is staying true to his word to maintain his political credibility,” he told Sinar Daily.

Sivamurugan further pointed out the possible ripple effects should Nurul Izzah take up Miti Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Aziz’s senatorship.

“If Tengku Zafrul’s senatorship is not renewed and someone like Nurul Izzah takes his place, it could create a ripple effect that others may follow.

"Even those who were elected under Tengku Zafrul’s team might start re-evaluating their positions, especially if there is a broader shift or shared understanding within the group,” he said.

Sivamurugan affirmed the Prime Minister's prerogative in Cabinet appointments and removals and expressed confidence that a reshuffle is imminent.

“Ultimately, Cabinet reshuffles, appointments and removals fall under the Prime Minister’s authority to advise the King.

"I am fairly confident that a reshuffle is on the horizon and it could be the right moment for the Prime Minister to keep some ministers, drop others and bring in new faces to strengthen the Cabinet ahead of General Election (GE) 16,” he said.