No need to resign, keep fighting - KJ tells Rafizi

 

There is no need for former PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli to resign as the economy minister or from his party, said former minister Khairy Jamaluddin.

Noting that Rafizi vowed to resign from his ministerial position if he lost his post in the recently concluded party election, Khairy said cabinet appointments are not solely based on party positions.

“He (Rafizi) had said that, in principle, those who hold senior party positions within the federal coalition government should resign from their governmental posts if they lost their party posts.

“But, to me, this must not necessarily be the case because many were appointed ministers based on their capabilities, although they lack influence within the party.

Former minister Khairy Jamaluddin

“Ministerial appointments were not made solely on party positions, but also on the credibility and capability of the individuals,” Sinar Harian reported the former health minister as saying.

Rafizi lost his PKR deputy presidency to Nurul Izzah Anwar, who is the eldest daughter of party president and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, after a heated party election.

Although he spoke of resigning, Rafizi recently attended the Asean Summit in his capacity as minister.

‘Keep fighting’

Meanwhile, Khairy, who is also a former youth and sports minister, said Rafizi can still contribute ideas and efforts even if he does not hold any important posts and need not resign from PKR.

“I was sacked from Umno, whereas Rafizi was defeated in the PKR election. In 2018, I challenged Ahmad Zahid Hamidi for the party presidency and lost, but at that time, I remained in Umno.

“When I was sacked, I wasn’t given a choice because the decision was made for me. I did not have a problem with the party, I only offered myself for the presidency. My relationship with Zahid was also good.

“So, to Rafizi, keep fighting! I don’t see any reason or need for him to quit PKR or form a new party because I know how committed Rafizi is to PKR’s struggle, since the early days of the party,” Khairy added. -  Mkini