PETALING JAYA: The resignation of Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad from the Cabinet is not likely to be the end for them.
Instead, it could mark the start of a rebound ahead of the next party polls and 16th General Elections, say analysts. They believe the two still have many allies within the present PKR leadership.
Rafizi and Nik Nazmi might be preparing to go for the party’s top two positions at the next PKR polls in three years, said Dr Azmi Hassan, senior fellow at Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research.
“Their strategies are much clearer now.
“They are trying to realign their fight in PKR for the top two posts when Anwar’s term as Prime Minister ends,” said Azmi.
He said Rafizi has allies within the present PKR vice-presidency and central leadership committee line-up.
“Rafizi will not abandon PKR. He will strategise for the next three years for the ultimate post – the party presidency,” said Azmi.
He also agreed that Rafizi was appointed as Economy Minister because of his position as party deputy president.
“It is not so much for his acumen or expertise on economic matters.
“So, it is the correct decision by Rafizi (to resign).
“It looks good for him,” said Azmi, referring to Rafizi’s public image.
Universiti Sains Malaysia’s political analyst Prof Dr Sivamurugan Pandian said Rafizi’s decision is in line with what he said during the campaign period.
“He is holding on to his word to avoid anyone questioning his political integrity.
“It is expected that Nik Nazmi would follow in Rafizi’s footsteps, given the Setiawangsa MP lost his vice-presidency.
“It’s a question of principle and political integrity,” said Sivamurugan.
Both Azmi and Sivamurugan believe there will be a Cabinet reshuffle in the near future, as the Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz’s tenure as senator will also end this December.
“It is timely for the PM to retain, drop or make new appointments,” added Sivamurugan.
Last week, Anwar said the Cabinet would not be reshuffled after the PKR polls, but he would not stop any ministers from resigning if they wish to do so.
During the party polls, Rafizi lost the deputy presidency post to Anwar’s daughter Nurul Izzah, while Nik Nazmi lost the vice-presidency race in an 12-cornered fight.
