Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Abdul Karim believes Rafizi Ramli remains one of the most influential figures in Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) even after stepping down from the Cabinet and losing the party deputy presidency.
Freedom outside government brings new energy
Hassan said Rafizi’s exit from the Economy Ministry has actually worked in the party’s favour.
“Now free from Cabinet constraints, he can speak openly in Parliament and on social media podcasts,” Hassan told reporters.
This openness, he added, has rekindled public faith in PKR as a progressive, multiracial, and reform-driven party.
Space for fresh ideas while staying loyal
By operating outside the government, Rafizi continues to push people-first policies and generate new thinking without abandoning PKR’s core struggle, Hassan explained.
He stressed there is a clear difference between the Madani administration led by Anwar Ibrahim and PKR as a political party with more than a million members.
Policy differences surface over ART
Hassan pointed to the Reciprocal Tariff Agreement (ART) signed by Anwar with former US President Donald Trump on 26 October 2025 in Kuala Lumpur as a key example of differing views between the Prime Minister and senior PKR leaders, including Rafizi.
“This is not a minor issue. It touches on national policy, independence, and sovereignty – the very heart of PKR’s fight,” he said.
Praise for Anwar’s restraint
Despite these public disagreements, Hassan commended Anwar and the party leadership for not disciplining outspoken members.
“In this matter, I pay my respects to the Prime Minister,” he said.
Rafizi tendered his resignation as Economy Minister on 28 May, effective 17 June. He was appointed to the role on 3 December 2022 after Pakatan Harapan’s GE15 victory but lost the PKR deputy president post to Nurul Izzah Anwar in the recent party polls in Johor Bahru, polling 3866 votes against her 9803.
