KUALA LUMPUR - Former Education minister Dr Maszlee Malik has called for respect toward Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad following their recent resignations from Cabinet posts, describing their actions as professional and reflective of political maturity.
He said their actions were strategically timed to safeguard Malaysia’s international reputation.
"The resignations of Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi should be respected. Rafizi had earlier stated that he would step down if he lost the deputy presidency to Nurul Izzah Anwar and he kept that promise.
"Nik Nazmi, who failed to retain his vice president position and is known as a close ally of Rafizi, followed suit. Their decisions were personal and likely made after careful consideration,” the former Simpang Renggam Member of Parliament (MP) said.
He addressed the issue during a live broadcast of the Sinar Daily Top News podcast on TikTok earlier this afternoon, held at the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair (PBAKL) at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL).
However, Maszlee acknowledged public confusion over why internal party outcomes should affect national administrative roles, particularly since both Rafizi and Nik Nazmi were senior Cabinet figures.
"While some people have questioned why they would mix internal party matters with national administrative roles, particularly given their positions in the Cabinet, such choices ultimately rest with them.
"Many are puzzled by this, asking why responsibilities to the country should be affected by party dynamics, but only they can fully answer that,” he added.
Maszlee also praised the professionalism both leaders demonstrated by delaying their announcements until after Malaysia concluded its role at the Asean 2025 summit.
"It is also worth mentioning the professionalism in how both handled their resignations. They waited until after the Asean 2025 summit concluded before announcing their decisions.
"This move was widely seen as respectful, avoiding any negative implications for Malaysia's image on a regional stage. Making such announcements during the summit would have sent the wrong signal to Asean leaders and the international media.
"Instead, they chose to act responsibly, ensuring that their personal and political choices did not disrupt national representation,” he said.
Maszlee added that internal conflict within political parties is neither new nor unique to Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) and such developments are a normal part of a party’s growth and political maturity.
He said over its more than 25-year journey, the party has faced its share of internal turmoil and turbulence.
"Leadership skirmishes and rifts have occurred at various points, such as the severe fallout during the Sheraton Move, Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali’s case and others. Even going back two decades, the party endured many challenges.
"Yet, PKR has always moved forward. Its members have remained strongly united and its reform agenda continues to evolve. This pattern of internal conflict is not unique to PKR; similar issues have occurred in Umno, Pas, DAP and other political parties.
Such developments are part of political maturity, it Is simply the nature of politics,” he said.