Latest news with #YangBakarMenteri
Sinar Daily
11-07-2025
- Politics
- Sinar Daily
When PKR's slow self-destruction and Rafizi's return as rebel is everyone's problem
IF any nation were to mirror the recent political upheaval in Thailand, Malaysia would undoubtedly be a strong contender for such a scenario. Thailand's latest political imbroglio saw Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra's tenure abruptly halted, echoing past family scandals and leading to a rapid succession of three changes in leadership within mere days, following a decisive court rulling. This quick transition of power inevitably brings to mind Malaysia's own tumultuous "Sheraton Move," an event that dissolved the Pakatan Harapan (PH) government and installed Perikatan Nasional (PN), ultimately ushering in three different prime ministers over a period of just five years. Now, Malaysia's long-aspired Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim faces a significant challenge that could potentially lead to his removal, ironically from within the very ranks of his own party, PKR. Is "reformasi" dream faltering amidst a renewed quest for power within ruling ranks? A faction of nine PKR MPs, spearheaded by none other than former Minister and PKR Deputy President Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli, publicly advocated for a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) to investigate judicial appointments. While PKR veteran MP Hassan Abdul Karim acknowledged the legitimacy and public interest of the judicial concerns raised, describing them as "the elephant in the room," he couldn't help but ponder the profound implications of such a demand on the current government's stability. Hassan suggested that while these actions might be progressive, radical and popular with the public, a critical question remained: Are these nine MPs truly prepared for the possibility that their actions could bring down Anwar's administration? If so, he argued, it would unequivocally signal a clear revolt taking place within PKR. Frankly, the country seems to be experiencing a growing fatigue with PKR as a political entity and the internal discord it often generates when in power. While Umno experienced a monumental downfall after 61 years of uninterrupted rule, PKR, it seems, consistently struggles to effectively wield power. One only needs to recall past internal tragedies while they were in government, from alleged sex tape scandals to the high-profile defection of Datuk Seri Azmin Ali and his gang to Bersatu. Now, we witness a similar pattern with Rafizi, once lauded as a staunch party loyalist and policy visionary. However, after losing his position as PKR deputy president in the most recent party polls to the party president's daughter Nurul Izzah, he immediately resigned from his Cabinet post, despite no public request for him to do so. Soon after, he launched a podcast titled "Yang Bakar Menteri," which has, thus far, functioned less as a constructive policy critique and more as a direct attack aimed squarely at the government he once served. Now, just over a month after stepping away from that administration, Rafizi is leading a petition for an RCI, a move that will inevitably cause embarrassment or, at the very least, create the perception that the government's hands are not entirely clean on judicial matters. It's a damning turn for someone who not long ago had every opportunity to address these same concerns from within the system but chose silence. The timing, context and tone of this new campaign raise uncomfortable but necessary questions: Why now? And why this specific issue? It becomes difficult to ignore a discernible pattern. Rafizi and the MPs aligned with him were largely silent on matters of judicial independence and reform when they held institutional power and were politically ascendant. Yet, now, following a loss of internal party clout, their battle cry for reform has grown undeniably louder and more confrontational. Is this sudden moral urgency genuine, or is it merely the language of a faction unwilling to accept political defeat? And if, hypothetically, PMX's government were to fall, do Malaysians genuinely desire a sudden return of PN to power? Do they want another former bank CEO as Finance Minister, or another reshuffling of the Senior Ministers lineup? Voters cast their ballots hoping for a stable administration, consistent policy direction, the ability to maintain investor confidence and a promise of long-term prosperity. While PMX is indeed announcing and embarking on duties to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), these efforts have, for some, become the subject of jokes or memes online, with netizens questioning the tangible impact. If there is a desire to prevent the government from being toppled, then actions must align with previous promises. The pace of progress under Anwar's Unity Government is perceived by many as very slow, perhaps too slow, tiring, exhausting and stagnant. It is not to say that PN offers a better alternative, but Malaysia has reached a point where it contends with a seemingly hopeless Opposition, with the current Prime Minister seemingly capitalising on this weakness. Imagine the gravity of falling from grace even with such a weak Opposition. This is not a place for me to issue a call to "buck up," as the Anwar-led Unity Government has already been in power for the past two years. However, as my father once wisely stated, "Look at what Anwar and his friends preached, and look at what he is doing now." Two years into his tenure as Prime Minister, the political realities of governance have visibly begun to erode his once-revered 'Reformasi' brand and on top of that, PKR itself appears to have lost its core identity, in dire need of a new purpose. There is a vast amount of work that needs to be done, yet recent discussions have centered on issues like Nurul Izzah Anwar's contested appointment, a topic that does not put food on anyone's table. Every single Malaysian desires the year to end in peace, stability and with food on their tables. Is it so difficult to ask for this from our leaders who once vehemently claimed they could right the wrongs committed by Barisan Nasional? Your guess is as good as mine.
Malay Mail
17-06-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Rafizi to ‘burn and enlighten' in new podcast after stepping down as economy minister
KUALA LUMPUR, June 17 — Former economy minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli has launched a new podcast, YBM, which stands for Yang Berhenti Menteri (the one who quit as minister), vowing to combine sharp commentary with illuminating insights. In a Facebook post announcing the podcast, Rafizi said he is now free to speak openly, unbound by government ethics or confidentiality. 'God willing, I will balance the commentary on YBM – there will be some 'burning' (bakar) and also some 'enlightening' (beri pencerahan). What's important is that it must be objective, fact-based, and provide a fair understanding to everyone,' he said. The weekly podcast's debut episode is set to air this Friday at 9pm. Rafizi, who stepped down as economy minister after losing the PKR deputy presidency, hinted that the podcast would tackle criticisms against him while outlining his political future. In his announcement, Rafizi listed several jibes often directed at him, including claims that he is 'always sulking,' 'achieved nothing as a minister,' and is 'thinking of starting a new party.' Rafizi said his focus would shift to harnessing the potential of ordinary Malaysians. The YBM podcast marks Rafizi's return to the format, having previously hosted Yang Bakar Menteri, which shares the same acronym. This time, Rafizi promises a fresh approach, combining fiery critiques with thoughtful analysis. The Pandan MP also teased future plans, saying he would reveal more after Hari Raya Haji celebrations earlier this month. The debut episode of YBM will air this Friday, potentially setting the stage for Rafizi to further explain his departure from the cabinet and his vision moving forward.
Daily Express
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
PKR election panel hits back at Rafizi over ‘regrettable' rigging claims, says e-voting audit found no irregularities
Published on: Monday, May 12, 2025 Published on: Mon, May 12, 2025 By: Malay Mail Text Size: PKR Deputy President Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli (right) is seen in discussion with Vice-President Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad during the 'Jelajah Hidupkan Idealisme Reformasi Dalam Ujian Kuasa' (HIRUK) tour. — Bernama pic Kuala Lumpur: PKR's Central Election Committee (JPP) has yesterday refuted claims by Deputy President Rafizi Ramli regarding the management of the party's ongoing internal elections. In a statement, JPP stressed that the voter list for the 2025 party polls was prepared transparently based on the latest membership data provided by the Secretary-General's Office and verified through an electronic Know Your Customer (eKYC) process. 'The claim that JPP ignored complaints and objections is untrue and regrettable,' committee deputy chairman Datuk Ahmad Kasim said, adding that all such matters were handled professionally and in line with party regulations. The committee noted that the party's election regulations were endorsed by the Central Leadership Council and the Political Bureau in February and March respectively, with Rafizi himself part of both bodies. Under these rules, any objections or appeals must be backed by sufficient evidence, with the burden of proof resting on the party submitting the challenge. A total of 289 objections and complaints were received throughout various stages of the election, including nominations, appeals, and voting, with some referred to the Secretary-General's Office or the Disciplinary Board for further action. JPP said every complaint has been or will be officially addressed in line with principles of transparency and accountability, and that regular updates were shared with the MPP throughout the process. The committee also confirmed that the MPP had agreed to re-examine voting results in six branches following objections, with assistance from an international auditor appointed by the party leadership. JPP noted that the audit report, which Rafizi had disseminated, found the e-voting system to be secure and free from irregularities. On Saturday, Rafizi openly criticised the party's election committee led by Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa, for what he described as its failure to tackle serious irregularities in the party's internal election process. Speaking at the 'Yang Bakar Menteri: Yang Berhenti Menteri' programme, Rafizi expressed frustration over the committee's alleged inability to screen candidates effectively, including individuals from other political parties who he claimed had managed to contest in PKR's divisional elections. Dr Zaliha has since announced that PKR had expelled 28 members, including elected leaders, for holding membership in other political parties. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
New Straits Times
11-05-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Rafizi slammed for elitism: 'PKR doesn't belong to the inner circle alone'
JOHOR BARU: The behaviour of PKR deputy president Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli, which includes questioning, insulting, and making unfounded personal accusations about the victories of several PKR division chiefs, merely reflects an immature political culture. Johor Baru PKR division chief Mohamad Taufiq Ismail said Rafizi's comments made during the podcast 'Yang Bakar Menteri' yesterday were inappropriate, prejudiced, and should not be practised by the party's top leadership. He condemned Rafizi's statements and urged him to retract his comments and issue a public apology for the insults directed at him. "It is regrettable that a senior leader like YB Rafizi would choose to make personal statements that are not based on facts and question my contributions that led to my selection as the Johor Baru division chief. "Such open accusations and insults tarnish not only the reputation of individuals but also undermine the spirit of many young people and activists who are building their foundation within the party. "This party does not belong to an elite group alone. "It belongs to all the people who are part of it and to the members who tirelessly work at the grassroots level. "Personal politics and elitism must not be allowed to extinguish the spirit of young people who sincerely fight for the party and the nation," he said in a statement here today. Yesterday, Rafizi, who is also the economy minister, reportedly questioned the victories of Mohamad Taufiq and Afdlin Shauki as the PKR division chiefs of Johor Baru and Setiawangsa, respectively, during the podcast 'Yang Berhenti Menteri'. Rafizi was reported to have described Mohamad Taufiq as an unknown "kid" with no permanent job and no record to defeat the deputy energy transition and water transformation minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir, who is also the PKR strategy director and Johor Baru member of parliament. Meanwhile, Rafizi referred to Afdlin as a "professional comedian" who defeated PKR vice president, Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, who is also the natural resources and environment minister. Mohamad Taufiq said Rafizi's remarks and insults overlooked the reality that many young and new leaders had emerged through their own capabilities, hard work, and commitment to the party's struggle. He said that such personal accusations and insults only weakened party unity and reflected immaturity in politics. "For YB Rafizi's information, I am the chief of the state youth wing (AMK) and the former chief of AMK for Johor Baru in the previous term. "Perhaps it is time for YB Rafizi to engage more frequently with grassroots leaders who are actively working for the party. "I was directly involved in helping Akmal Nasir win in the 14th General Election (GE14) and GE15, and I have previously held the positions of secretary and organising secretary, actively serving at the grassroots level and contributing to the reform movement, particularly among the younger generation," he said. He said it was very superficial to assess a leader's qualifications solely based on their employment status or personal relationships with higher-ups. "For the record, I have been employed as an automotive mechanic at a family-owned company for the past eight years; however, YB Rafizi's accusation that I am a kid with no permanent job is an insult. "I am not an 'unknown kid with no permanent job and no record in the party' as depicted, but rather a grassroots activist who has served, fought, and built the trust of party members while holding key positions at the branch and state levels, ultimately being entrusted with the mandate as the Johor Baru division chief today.
The Star
11-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
PKR must be prepared to answer the people, says Rafizi
PETALING JAYA: PKR should be prepared to answer the people, including those who are attacking the party, especially the opposition, says PKR deputy president Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli ( pic ). He said, Nurul Izzah Anwar can never run from the nepotism label after deciding to contest for the deputy president position in the PKR election on May 34. 'When Nurul Izzah decided to contest for the position, the issue of nepotism can't be cast aside, as people will have their own opinions about it. So, it is up to Nurul Izzah to explain. I don't want to prolong the issue, but there is worry about how the people are perceiving it, he said during the Yang Bakar Menteri: Yang Berhenti Menteri event at the MBSJ Multipurpose Hall on Saturday. (May 10), reported by Sinar Harian. He added PKR cannot escape from this perception, which will be among the topics discussed at the grassroots level ahead of the 16th general election (GE16). The issue, he said will continue to linger but the party will have to be cautious about how it is being answered without being overzealous. However, the PKR deputy president believes that the former Lembah Pantai MP had her own reasons for contesting in the party election. If she wins the deputy president's post Nurul Izzah must be prepared to lead the troops and be friendly with the other political parties in the Madani government, Rafizi said. This is because the issue is not just about what the candidate can offer but also the responsibilities he or she can shoulder after winning the position, he pointed out. 'I have no problem if Nurul Izzah is able to shoulder the task as a tough 'General'. She will have to shoulder the responsibility of being the 'tough guy' against the 'walaun'. 'I have no problem if someone else can shoulder that responsibility. I am more than happy to pass it on. The other is that the deputy president will be tasked to negotiate the number of seats for the party while leading it during the election. 'That role must be shouldered well by the Deputy President. If Nurul Izzah is confident and prepared, has a good plan and wins, then I am sure we will support her en masse,' he said.
