PANDAN, Malaysia, July 21, 2025 – Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli, Pandan MP and former Economy Minister, expressed disappointment over the lack of openness to internal criticism within PKR and PAS, emphasizing that rebuking allies is far more challenging than confronting opponents.
In a social media statement, Rafizi revealed that his opinions often draw criticism from PKR leadership. He claimed that PKR Secretary-General Datuk Seri Fuziah Salleh issued a memo equating criticism of the judiciary to a loss of confidence in the Prime Minister.
Rafizi also took aim at PAS for their inconsistent stances, which triggered backlash from their supporters. He noted that both PKR and PAS leaders often question why he did not voice objections while in government.
Drawing a parallel, Rafizi pointed out that PAS faced a similar situation during Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s tenure as Prime Minister, when the government increased lottery draws from eight to 22 times a year, sparking nationwide controversy given PAS’s Islamic credentials.
“I’m certain PAS held internal discussions and objected in Muhyiddin’s Cabinet. Similarly, if I disagreed on an issue, I would raise it with the Prime Minister or in Cabinet,” he said.
However, Rafizi highlighted a key difference: he resigned when he felt his views were no longer considered, whereas PAS remained in government despite policies like the lottery increase contradicting their principles.
“Tripling lottery draws was fine as long as they stayed ministers,” Rafizi quipped.
He stressed that the true test of leadership lies in the courage to consistently rebuke allies within one’s party or government, which is tougher than opposing adversaries. “Staying steadfast in correcting friends in the party and government—that’s the real test,” he asserted.
Rafizi urged political leaders to be more open to internal criticism to uphold integrity and principled leadership.