Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli announced on social media that he will step down from his position in the Council of Ministers, effective June 17 (Tuesday).
His resignation comes after losing a one-on-one competition to Nurul Izzah Anwar in the PKR 2025 central election for the Deputy President post. He noted that the defeat meant he no longer held his party’s mandate.
“His promises were nothing but empty talk”
In response, UMNO Johor Bahru Information Chief Ahmad Solehin Abd Ghani urged the public not to be fooled by Rafizi’s “resignation drama.”
In a Facebook post, he said many had praised the move as a symbol of principle and integrity, but in reality, it was just a tactic to wash his hands of responsibilities he couldn’t deliver on.
He also pointed out that after years of inciting the public, spreading slander, and personally attacking UMNO and Barisan Nasional leaders, Rafizi ended up failing completely when given the chance to serve as a minister.
“None of the big promises he made during his campaign were fulfilled, from the cost of living and wages to economic reforms, everything was just empty talk,” he wrote.
“Rafizi is no hero”
Solehin also highlighted Rafizi’s own admission of feeling uncomfortable and incompatible in his role as a minister.
“Isn’t that a clear sign of failure? The people entrusted him with a responsibility, yet he saw it as a burden. Where’s the sense of duty to the nation?”
He went on to question Rafizi’s motives, asking why he waited until losing the party election to resign, especially since Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim himself hadn’t removed him from the position.
“UMNO and BN must remain cautious. Don’t be swayed by the so-called noble narrative of ‘principle.’ Rafizi is no hero. He’s a symbol of a leader who’s great at creating perception but lacking in actual policy delivery. In the end, he’s just another politician who speaks well but fails to deliver. What he left behind wasn’t principle, it was responsibility,” he concluded.
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Also read: Rafizi Ramli Resigns as Minister of Economy Following PKR Election Loss, Effective June 17
