Former economy minister Rafizi Ramli has admitted he would have preferred to serve as education minister, describing it as the most crucial portfolio for driving national reform.
“If I had the choice, I would want to be education minister — but I don’t think people would like that,” he said during the latest episode of the Yang Berhenti Menteri podcast yesterday.
The Pandan MP stressed that education forms the bedrock of long-term change, particularly in eradicating the culture of corruption, adding that institutional reforms alone are insufficient.
“Yes, this culture can be changed. Everything begins with education. That’s why I’ve always criticised Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek,” he remarked.
“Change starts in schools. We must teach children that there are many paths to success — that living an honest and modest life, caring for others, and being civic-minded is far better than becoming a minister who steals from every angle.”
Rafizi also quipped that if he were appointed to the role, he hoped he would not be remembered solely for a policy like the government’s controversial black school shoes directive.
The remark alluded to the Pakatan Harapan administration’s decision in 2020 — under then-education minister Maszlee Malik — to replace white school shoes with black ones, citing easier maintenance. The policy drew widespread criticism and mockery amid concerns over declining education standards.
Rafizi said he accepted the economy portfolio out of necessity after the 2022 general election (GE15) produced a hung Parliament, which eventually led to the formation of a unity government.
He explained that stabilising financial markets and restoring public trust in the government’s economic management were urgent priorities at the time.
“But ultimately, you can’t fix the economy without fixing the education system,” he added.
