PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli said he will quit as economy minister if he fails to defend his post in the upcoming PKR election.
Seemingly relishing in the prospect, he said this would both free him from the burden of being a minister and also from having to keep his mouth shut on various issues.
"If I lose, I will resign and be a regular MP, and I would be grateful as there will be a silver lining.
"(Besides not being a minister,) what will make me happier is that my hands and mouth will no longer be tied.
"Currently, I'm part of the administration, so even if I don't agree, for example, with Azam Baki being appointed (for another term as MACC chief), I can't say anything as this would be a breach of ethics as the decision was made by the prime minister.
“So, I have to shut up," he said in a live broadcast of his Yang Bakar Menteri podcast.
Rafizi said other issues he has to keep quiet about are remarks by Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh on various issues, which included a temple issue - believed to be in reference to the temple in Jalan Masjid India that will be relocated.
The Pandan MP said if he had spoken out, it would have resulted in the media reporting about infighting between ministers.
Thus, Rafizi said, he had to "swallow" his thoughts.
Ally turned challenger
Rafizi is being challenged by long-time ally Nurul Izzah Anwar for the PKR deputy presidency.
Earlier today, Nurul Izzah - who is Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's daughter - openly criticised Azam getting a third extension as MACC chief.
Nurul Izzah enjoys broad support from within PKR, with numerous divisions pledging support for her as deputy president.
This makes it a tough fight for Rafizi to retain his post.
Previously, it was speculated that Rafizi had threatened to resign as minister over unhappiness about the outcome of the PKR division polls - in which several leaders aligned with him had lost due to alleged irregularities.
However, PKR had agreed to move on from the division polls to focus on the central leadership election, which will be held on May 23. - Mkini
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