Former PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli has asserted that he is free from a fixation on the premiership - an obsession which he suggested has defined Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s political life.
In a not-so-subtle dig at Anwar, Rafizi drew a comparison between himself and the PKR president when asked about his views on the Pakatan Harapan component party potentially initiating disciplinary action against him and other party members aligned with him.
“Unlike (Anwar) whose sole preoccupation in life is to become a prime minister, I am blessed because I am very happy if I can retire quietly just like any other person, enough to survive quietly.
“So, I don’t have his, and other similar politicians’, burden,” Rafizi said in an X post yesterday.
The Pandan MP opined that anyone who believes the nation or society needs them “has a complex”, stressing that politicians’ work should be executed as a contribution to the rakyat and “investment” for the akhirat (afterlife).
“(Such works are) never because society owes us anything, or we are so important that society needs us.
“I am perfectly content with my life now and I can jog every day to keep myself healthy,” the former economy minister quipped.
Here to fulfil amanah, not for power
Describing himself as “easily contented” and “not sentimental”, Rafizi iterated that he has everything he needs, as power, fame, or positions have never been what he sought in life.
“I am still an MP and I intend to do my job well because it’s an amanah (responsibility). Whatever I do, I want to make a difference and to have an impact - so my views and opinions on politics etc are part and parcel of doing my job,” he added.
Since his defeat in the PKR deputy presidency race to Anwar’s daughter Nurul Izzah and his subsequent resignation from the cabinet last year, Rafizi has adopted a more outspoken posture in airing his criticism of party figures and government matters.
Besides his social media posts where he frequently shares his opinions on various issues, the former economy minister also hosts his own podcast, dubbed “Yang Berhenti Menteri”.
In one of his podcast episodes last December, Rafizi asserted that he had raised several concerns internally during his time in the cabinet, but had opted to give Anwar the benefit of the doubt in hopes that the prime minister would make changes.
Having exhausted all available avenues, Rafizi said he believes there are still issues that need to be raised, and he is voicing them now, especially since he is no longer bound by cabinet rules.
Pressing on
In a separate X post yesterday, he highlighted that a process of “constant iterations” where persistent improvements are implemented is the only way to ensure that a government performs better.
“I disagree with the attitude that just because (Anwar) is the prime minister, or because he is considered better than other PM candidates, everything is good and we should just clap.
“Progress bleeds complacency. Unrivalled power leads to corruption,” Rafizi cautioned.
He pointed out that in instances when things “feel good”, such moments are when voices that highlight weaknesses and fault lines are most needed.
However, he hinted that such viewpoints might not be well-received by those who would rather focus on celebrating their successes.
Earlier this month, Rafizi had warned that strong economic indicators and policy announcements would carry little weight with the public unless they are matched by genuine reforms on the ground, particularly in law enforcement and governance.
He said that while macroeconomic figures show positive trends - including rising investment, solid growth, and a strengthening currency - many Malaysians do not feel these gains in their daily lives. - FMT
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