BY EMMANUEL OGBONNA
Two high-profile former Malaysian cabinet ministers announced on Sunday that they will resign from parliament and leave Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s ruling People’s Justice Party, marking a significant political setback for the government as speculation intensifies over the possibility of an early national election.
Former economy minister Rafizi Ramli and former environment minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said they would formally vacate their parliamentary seats and notify the speaker of parliament of their resignations on Monday. The pair also confirmed they would leave the People’s Justice Party, commonly known as PKR, before joining the Malaysian United Party, a small political group that has largely operated in the northwestern state of Penang since its establishment in 2016.
The dramatic move threatens to deepen divisions within the ruling coalition and could create fresh uncertainty in Malaysia’s political landscape at a time when Prime Minister Anwar is attempting to consolidate his administration amid economic pressures and internal party tensions.
Rafizi and Nik Nazmi were once considered among Anwar’s closest allies and belonged to a younger generation of leaders expected to shape the future of PKR. Rafizi, in particular, had long been regarded as one of the party’s most influential strategists and reform advocates. As deputy president of PKR, he was widely viewed by supporters and political observers as a possible successor to Anwar.
However, his relationship with the prime minister and sections of the party leadership deteriorated following internal elections in which Rafizi lost key leadership influence. The defeat ultimately led to his resignation from the cabinet last year, alongside Nik Nazmi, after both failed to secure important positions within the party hierarchy.
Since leaving government, Rafizi has increasingly criticized the direction of Anwar’s administration, raising concerns about economic management, reform commitments and the party’s political strategy. His remarks fueled growing speculation about dissatisfaction within PKR and the broader unity government.
The decision by both men to leave parliament entirely represents one of the most serious internal ruptures facing Anwar since taking office. Their resignations are expected to trigger by-elections in their constituencies, contests that could become an important test of public support for the government and opposition forces alike.
The political development also comes amid mounting rumors that Malaysia could head into an early general election despite the current parliamentary term officially running until 2028. While no formal announcement has been made, political discussions over the possibility of snap polls have intensified in recent months.
Two lawmakers previously indicated that a national election could potentially be held as early as July to coincide with several upcoming state elections, a move that analysts say could benefit parties seeking to capitalize on regional momentum and consolidate voter turnout.
Anwar’s government has so far not publicly signaled plans for an early dissolution of parliament, but the resignations of two prominent former ministers may add pressure on the ruling coalition as it attempts to maintain stability.
Rafizi has long played a central role in Malaysian politics, gaining national prominence through anti-corruption campaigns and his involvement in reformist movements that challenged decades of rule by the Barisan Nasional coalition. Known for his data-driven political style and outspoken views, he became one of PKR’s most recognizable figures during the party’s rise to power.
Nik Nazmi, meanwhile, built a reputation as a reform-minded politician focused on environmental policy and youth engagement. His departure alongside Rafizi underscores the depth of dissatisfaction among some former senior party leaders.
In their joint statement, the two politicians confirmed they would officially join the Malaysian United Party after completing their resignations from PKR. Though relatively unknown at the national level, the party’s takeover by such prominent political figures could rapidly transform it into a more influential force ahead of future elections.
Political analysts say the move may signal the beginning of a broader political realignment within Malaysia’s reformist bloc, particularly if additional lawmakers or party members choose to follow Rafizi and Nik Nazmi into a new political platform.
The resignations are likely to intensify scrutiny of Anwar’s leadership as he seeks to balance coalition politics, economic reforms and growing voter expectations after years of political instability in Malaysia.
For now, attention is expected to turn toward the upcoming by-elections and whether the departure of two once-prominent allies will weaken the ruling coalition’s standing or reshape the country’s increasingly fragmented political landscape.
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