FORMER economy minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli has drawn a sharp parallel between his own tumultuous entry into politics and the current political trajectory of former investment, trade and industry minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, claiming both share the vulnerability of lacking grassroots political experience.

Speaking on the Yang Berhenti Menteri podcast last night (May 29), Rafizi expressed sympathy for Tengku Zafrul, who is currently being positioned as a parliamentary candidate and as a supervisor for the Pandan parliamentary constituency.

Not offering much of his own perspective on how Zafrul may fare in Pandan, Rafizi is of the view that the former minister is new to politics and lacks grassroots experience.

Rafizi noted that because Tengku Zafrul originates from the corporate elite (Kayangan) and did not rise through the traditional grassroots process, he faces significant hurdles in understanding and gaining the trust of ordinary citizens.

Reflecting on his own political career, Rafizi revealed he felt “scammed” by Prime Minister (PM) Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim back in 2010.

He stated that after resigning from a corporate position, his agreement with Anwar was strictly to spend two years building a policy foundation for PKR following its surprise 2008 election wins, on the condition that he would not enter active politics.

However, Rafizi recounted a sudden meeting where Anwar and Bersatu secretary-general Datuk Seri Azmin Ali pressured him into contesting the Angkatan Muda Keadilan youth chief leadership.

Despite his reluctance, Rafizi said Anwar assured him the victory was pre-arranged and promised total backing from the leadership.

“I was stupid at that time. We trusted him,” Rafizi said, noting that on the day of the announcement, Nurul Izzah Anwar’s phone was turned off, and he quickly realised no actual plan or safety net existed.

Rafizi concluded that veteran politicians like Anwar or former PM Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad operate by letting multiple factions fight beneath them to maintain control, warning that top-tier politics often leaves inexperienced corporate entrants to fend for themselves. — May 30, 2026

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