Malaysia rocked by resignations of 2 ministers as Anwar faces sternest test

In the gravest challenge yet to Anwar’s two-year-old administration, Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli and Natural Resources and Environment Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad announced their resignations within hours of each other.

While the two political heavyweights will remain in Anwar’s People’s Justice Party (PKR), their resignations reflect a deep schism at the heart of the PKR after Rafizi pushed back against the elevation of Nurul Izzah, according to analysts.

She was voted in on Friday as the party’s second-in-command, in what has been widely seen by his critics as an attempt by Anwar – who burnished his reputation while in opposition by attacking cronyism and corruption – to nurture a political dynasty.

The departures of Rafizi and Nik Nazmi are expected to test Anwar’s political skills as he strives to hold together an often divisive coalition of former rivals.

“I think [Rafizi] will not be able to go quietly. This does not fit with his character. The depth of support for Rafizi and his allies cannot be ignored,” political analyst Bridget Welsh told This Week in Asia.