Former Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli has publicly stated that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim should remain in his post until the end of the current term. Rafizi emphasized that maintaining political stability is crucial as Malaysia navigates increasing economic uncertainty.
Rafizi, who serves as the Member of Parliament for Pandan, highlighted that a change in government at this juncture could disrupt vital ongoing efforts to address emerging economic challenges. This is particularly pertinent given the projected slowdown in economic growth across the ASEAN region.
“We cannot afford a change of government right now, given the serious economic headwinds we are facing,” he asserted in the latest episode of the “Yang Berhenti Menteri” podcast, which aired yesterday.
He cited projections indicating that neighboring countries such as Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, and the Philippines may experience a 2% to 3% drop in growth. Rafizi warned that if Malaysia’s own growth were to fall to 3% or below, the nation could face significant risks over the next one to two years. He stressed that only a stable administration can effectively manage the current situation and see through the government’s mandate for the remainder of its term.
Political Tensions and Judicial Appointments
Meanwhile, the opposition coalition Perikatan Nasional is planning a mass protest, dubbed “Turun Anwar” (Anwar Step Down), for July 26, demanding the Prime Minister’s resignation. Organizers claim they expect up to 300,000 participants, though a similar protest in Shah Alam earlier this month reportedly drew just over 300 attendees.
Rafizi also clarified his intentions regarding the upcoming parliamentary session. He stated he has no plans to criticize or undermine Anwar in the Dewan Rakyat when Parliament reconvenes on Monday. This follows Anwar’s recent assurance that he would not take disciplinary action against PKR Members of Parliament who expressed differing views on recent judicial appointments.
Last week, 19 PKR divisions in Johor had called for the suspension of Rafizi and eight other MPs. This demand came after the MPs called for the formation of a royal commission of inquiry (RCI) and a parliamentary hearing into allegations of delays in appointing senior judicial officials. The nine MPs contended that the matter amounted to a constitutional crisis, a claim that was subsequently denied by the Attorney-General’s Chambers. The AGC maintained that the appointment process was being conducted in accordance with the Federal Constitution and, therefore, saw no basis for an RCI.
In a related development, Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh has since been appointed as Chief Justice, succeeding Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat, who retired earlier this month. Additionally, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong has consented to the appointments of Abu Bakar Jais as President of the Court of Appeal and Azizah Nawawi as Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak. All three are scheduled to be sworn in and receive their official letters of appointment at Istana Negara on July 28.
