KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has described the decision by two PKR ministers, Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, to resign after failing to retain their positions in the party elections as an act of principle.
Ahmad Zahid said that although he does not interfere in the internal affairs of other parties, as a fellow cabinet member, he respects the decisions made by both ministers.
“They (Rafizi and Nik Nazmi) are principled.
“That was their promise, and we respect that stance even though we do not meddle in the internal matters of other parties.
“However, as cabinet colleagues, I feel they have contributed effectively.
“They collectively supported all decisions made by the cabinet, and their absence may be filled by candidates from PKR, at the discretion of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim,” he said at a press conference here last night.
Earlier, Rafizi, who is also the Pandan member of parliament, resigned after failing to retain his position as PKR deputy president in the party elections last week.
A few hours later, Nik Nazmi, the Setiawangsa MP, followed suit, tendering his resignation.
Nik Nazmi was reported to be the only incumbent PKR vice-president who failed to retain his position.
The other three PKR vice-presidents, namely, Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, Negri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun; and Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang, were re-elected to their positions.
In April, Nik Nazmi also lost to actor, director and comedian Datuk Afdlin Shauki in the contest for the PKR Setiawangsa division chief post.
When asked whether the two ministerial posts might be filled by candidates from Barisan Nasional, Ahmad Zahid emphasised that such decisions are entirely at the discretion of the prime minister.
“The absolute power (to appoint cabinet members) lies fully with the prime minister.
“Leaders come and go, and so do ministers.
“God willing, Anwar will choose the best candidates among PKR leaders to join the cabinet (to replace Rafizi and Nik Nazmi),” he said.
Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid, who is also the BN chairman and Umno president, declined to comment on allegations that several PKR MPs, including Rafizi and Nik Nazmi, had withdrawn their support for Anwar.
“I think it’s best not to entertain rumours,” said the Bagan Datuk MP.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
