SHAH ALAM – There is no shortage of capable candidates to replace Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli as Economy Minister and the role does not necessarily have to remain within PKR.
Political analysts suggested the position could be offered to figures from other coalition parties such as Umno, DAP, or Amanah, given the unity government’s wide talent pool.
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia associate professor Dr Mazlan Ali said the Cabinet portfolio could be reshuffled to accommodate a non-PKR replacement while maintaining the party balance within the government.
"There are many qualified individuals who could take up the role. It doesn’t necessarily have to stay with PKR. The Prime Minister could appoint someone from Umno, DAP, or Amanah.
"If Umno took over the Economy Ministry, they would likely need to relinquish another ministry to PKR to keep the balance intact," he said.
Mazlan also pointed out that the government could consider appointing a technocrat or academic to the position, as prior political experience was not a strict requirement.
He noted that individuals such as Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani who has a strong track record in economic matters would be a suitable candidate.
He added that professionals and economists from outside the political sphere could also be considered for the role.
"A capable civil service and strong grassroots support ensure that policies can succeed under new leadership," he said.
Meanwhile, political analyst Professor James Chin echoed the sentiment saying that the unity government has no shortage of talent.
He said the ministerial role may not be too challenging, as much of the policy direction was already established and backed by the civil service.
"Replacing Rafizi isn’t a challenge. There are many capable people out there, the issue is whether Anwar is willing to give them a chance.
"Frankly, being a minister is not as difficult as it’s sometimes made out to be. Most issues are already handled by the civil service. A minister just needs sound judgement and the ability to bring critical matters to the Cabinet," Chin said.
Meanwhile, Pacific Research Centre of Malaysia principal adviser Dr Oh Ei Sun said newly-appointed PKR deputy president Nurul Izzah Anwar could also be a natural successor, given her recent electoral win and reformist credentials.
However, he added that a technocratic appointment was also a possibility.
"Nurul Izzah is the obvious internal choice, but there are also rumours that Anwar might appoint someone outside party lines, perhaps even a technocrat. Interestingly, my own name has been rumored as one such possibility," he said.
Rafizi officially tendered his resignation as Economy Minister, effective June 17 and will use his remaining annual leave until then.
In a statement, he said his resignation followed his recent defeat in the PKR party elections, leaving him without a mandate to continue driving the party’s agenda in the government.
Shortly after, Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad announced his resignation as Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister, effective July 4.
He cited his loss in the PKR polls, pointing out that his Cabinet role was closely linked to his former position as a party vice-president.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has yet to announce their replacements.