Checking in: Anwar speaking at the monthly assembly with staff of the Prime Minister’s Department in Putrajaya. Flanking him are Deputy Prime Ministers Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (on his right) and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof as others look on. — Bernama
PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim says he has not yet considered a Cabinet reshuffle, following the resignation announcements of two ministers.
He explained that Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad are currently on leave and, therefore, cannot be replaced at this stage.
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“They are still on leave. We cannot replace ministers who are currently on leave,” Anwar told reporters after addressing the monthly assembly with staff of the Prime Minister’s Department yesterday.
Both Rafizi and Nik Nazmi announced their resignations from the Cabinet, effective June 17 and July 4 respectively, after losing their positions in the 2025 PKR party elections last week.
Rafizi failed to defend his post as deputy president, while Nik Nazmi lost his role as vice-president.
The Prime Minister’s Office also confirmed in a statement that Anwar had received their letters requesting leave and submitting their resignations.
Meanwhile, Deputy Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir, an ally of Rafizi, said he would not be stepping down.
However, he described the resignations of Rafizi and Nik Nazmi as heavy and difficult to accept.
“Still, they stood by their principles and words,” he said in a social media post yesterday.
Akmal Nasrullah, who lost his bid to remain Johor Baru division chief but secured a seat on PKR’s central leadership council, expressed that the loss extends beyond the party as the country has lost a progressive and forward-thinking leadership front.
Despite future challenges, he said the spirit and ideals upheld by Rafizi and Nik Nazmi would remain with them.
“The lessons from Rafizi will continue to guide me in fulfilling my responsibilities throughout this term,” he said.
“It is God and the people who will ultimately judge the values, actions and stands we take as political leaders. We pray for the strength to endure this great test of power,” Akmal Nasrullah added.
Anwar and his wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, are scheduled to attend the Kaamatan celebration in Sabah today.
