Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has quashed rumours surrounding Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli, stating clearly that Rafizi is merely on a short leave and has not resigned from his position.
Speaking to the media after Friday prayers at Masjid Bandar Saujana Putra, Anwar addressed the speculation head-on, emphasizing that Rafizi’s leave was routine and nothing out of the ordinary. The prime minister questioned why such a basic matter had sparked unnecessary rumours, implying that taking time off should not be interpreted as a sign of internal party strife.
Adding a touch of humor, Anwar mentioned his own need for rest, suggesting that he, too, was considering a short break following the upcoming ASEAN Summit.
The rumours gained momentum earlier when Rafizi was noticeably absent from public view, prompting speculation about a potential resignation linked to recent tensions within Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR). However, a cabinet member, speaking anonymously to Malaysiakini, confirmed that Rafizi had properly informed the cabinet of his leave and had not submitted any resignation letter. The source labeled the rumours as completely unfounded.
The speculation comes amid heightened scrutiny of PKR’s internal elections. Several of Rafizi’s allies reportedly lost key positions during the divisional polls, triggering questions about his influence within the party. In response to concerns over the integrity of the voting process, Anwar revealed that independent international auditors had been engaged to review allegations of irregularities.
According to Anwar, complaints were taken seriously, and the appointment of auditors reflects the party’s commitment to transparency. PKR election committee chair Dr. Zaliha Mustafa confirmed that re-elections would be conducted in four divisions — Jempol, Selayang, Silam, and Semporna — following the findings.
Notably, vice-presidents Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad and K. Saraswathy, as well as Youth chief Adam Adli, were among prominent figures who failed to retain their positions. This fueled further conjecture about factional shifts within the party.
Meanwhile, the vendor responsible for PKR’s electronic voting system has denied any wrongdoing. During a recent PKR central leadership council meeting, both the vendor and the auditing firm reportedly provided explanations, stating there was no evidence of system manipulation or malpractice.
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