Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim went into damage control on Thursday as he digested the departure of two key ministers who quit the cabinet after his party voted to elevate his daughter to the role of deputy and his de facto successor.
To control the narrative surrounding the walkouts, Anwar stated that he has not accepted the resignations of Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli and Environment Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, instead allowing them to take time off.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, the prime minister brushed aside questions of a cabinet reshuffle, saying the two portfolios are still filled.
“They are still on leave. We cannot replace ministers who are currently on leave,” he said.
But the resignations – choreographed within hours of each other – appear to be a done deal, with experts suggesting they pose the biggest challenge to Anwar’s administration, potentially destabilising it ahead of the next general election.
Rafizi said he will be on leave until June 17 while Nik Nazmi until July 3, with both vacating their respective offices last night.
The resignations came just a day after Anwar hosted leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), Gulf nations and Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Kuala Lumpur.
