KUALA LUMPUR: There is no need to disband the Economy Ministry despite the resignation of its minister, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
One of the current Cabinet ministers will be picked to temporarily helm the ministry, he said when asked about the post as Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli’s resignation will take effect today.
“I wish Rafizi all the best as he had served very well as the Economy Minister.
“I will now have to decide which one of the ministers will have to carry out the responsibilities,” he told reporters after launching the Energy Asia 2025 conference yesterday.
Anwar noted that the ministry was previously the Economic Planning Unit (EPU) which came under the Prime Minister’s Department.
The ministry was formed during the Pakatan Harapan administration, he added.
“The EPU was an effective unit under the Prime Minister’s Department before we set up the ministry which is now carrying out the function of the unit.
“Let us move on, for now, there is no issue or problem,” he said.
In a Facebook post last week, Rafizi said that he had settled a few matters and packed up his things at the office for the last time last Friday.
He was defeated by Nurul Izzah Anwar for PKR’s No 2 position on May 23.
Prior to that, he had announced his readiness to step down if he failed to defend his post of deputy president.
Following the defeat, he submitted his resignation letter, effective June 17, to Anwar.
Asked about Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad who had submitted his resignation as the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister effective July 4, Anwar said no decision has been made yet.
“I will always wait to give an opportunity.
“I have given my views that he should continue if possible,” he said.
Nik Nazmi resigned from the Cabinet after he failed to defend his PKR vice-presidency post.
Anwar had previously asked both Rafizi and Nik Nazmi to reconsider their decision to quit the Cabinet.
