The decision by Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, who stepped down from the cabinet last year after losing leadership roles in internal party elections, may pose a challenge for Anwar, especially with rumors of a potential early election this year.
Although the next general election is scheduled for 2028, two lawmakers informed Reuters in March that it might be held as soon as July, aligning with several state polls.
ANWAR TO LISTEN TO VIEWS ON ELECTION TIMING
During a leadership convention on Sunday for his coalition party Pakatan Harapan, Anwar stated he would take into account the possibility of a snap general election if the strain in relations within the unity government persists.
The unity government comprises a coalition of various parties, including Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan.
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“The date (of a general election) rests with the Prime Minister, but I must heed the advice and (the perspectives) of my colleagues,” he remarked, mentioning that his coalition plans to participate in elections across all states.
RAFIZI HAD BEEN SEEN AS POTENTIAL SUCCESSOR
It is unclear whether Anwar was aware that Rafizi and Nik Nazmi had resigned from their parliamentary positions at the time he made those remarks since both events occurred simultaneously.
Rafizi, who previously held the position of economy minister, once served as the deputy president of Anwar’s People’s Justice Party (PKR) and was widely regarded as a possible successor.
Rafizi and Nik Nazmi resigned from their ministerial roles in June last year following their loss in internal party elections within PKR, after which Rafizi has emerged as a significant critic of Anwar’s administration.
In a joint statement, Rafizi and former environment minister Nik Nazmi announced their plan to resign from their parliamentary seats on Monday and indicated they would write to the speaker to formalize their resignations.
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Additionally, they declared their intention to officially leave PKR and join the Malaysian United Party, established in 2016 and primarily active in the northwestern state of Penang. They participated in a symbolic handover ceremony with the party’s founder, Tan Gin Theam.
