Malaysian Minister Resigns After Party Loss to PM's Daughter
Malaysian Economy Minister, Rafizi Ramli, has resigned from his cabinet post after losing his position as deputy president of the ruling PKR party to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's daughter, Nurul Izzah Anwar.
"My defeat in the recent PKR party election means I no longer have the mandate from my party to translate the people's agenda -- championed by PKR -- into government policy," Rafizi Ramli said in a statement.
He further stated, "Like the practice in countries that uphold democratic principles, leaders who lose in party elections must make way for those who win to take their place in government."
The Election Results
Nurul Izzah Anwar won the post of deputy president with close to 10,000 votes, while Rafizi Ramli received around 4,000 votes.
Resignation Date
Rafizi stated that his resignation would take effect from June 17.
Controversy
The contest between Rafizi and Nurul Izzah was marked by accusations of nepotism.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has dismissed any suggestions of wrongdoing.
Nurul Izzah's Background
Nurul Izzah is a three-term MP known for her fervent championing of political reform. She rose to prominence when her father was jailed in the late 1990s.