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Rafizi Ramli

The latest news and updates on Rafizi Ramli, a prominent Malaysian politician and a chartered accountant by profession. He served as Malaysia’s Minister of Economy from December 2022 until June 2025, where he was instrumental in launching the MADANI Economy Framework and implementing the Central Database Hub (PADU) for targeted subsidies. As a Member of Parliament for Pandan, a role he held previously, he is known for his advocacy for transparency and evidence-based policymaking. A long-standing figure in the People’s Justice Party (PKR), including a former Deputy President, he has consistently highlighted inconsistencies in government appointments and championed economic reforms.

Rafizi Ramli

Can Malaysian reform party Bersama survive a founders’ scandal?

The reform party’s election campaign in Melaka has been dealt a blow after co-founder Nik Nazmi was hit by a religious morality scandal.

In Malaysia, voter anger fuels a third force against Anwar

Malaysia’s Anwar traded reform for power. Now Umno wants it all

Veteran Malaysian MP quits Anwar’s party over ‘toxic politics’

Wong Chen, a three-term MP who had spent nearly 20 years in PKR, says he is joining Rafizi Ramli’s Bersama to ‘defend democracy’.

In Malaysia, Nurul Izzah’s PKR exit deepens questions over Anwar’s leadership

Having his daughter quit as deputy president of the party he founded is going to be a huge political setback for the prime minister, analysts say.

BN cruises to victory in Malaysia’s Johor, in blow to Anwar and PH

Barisan Nasional has won 48 out of 56 seats, with its leaders hoping the victory will ‘trigger a blue wave’ in future elections.

Rafizi’s revenge? How Bersama could cost Malaysia’s Anwar the Johor poll

Rafizi Ramli’s breakaway party won’t win the state, analysts say, but it could cannibalise the reformist vote and act as a spoiler.

Causeway obstacle: Johor’s Singapore workers weigh trip home for election

Congestion and potential immigration glitches at the border could deter some Johoreans working in Singapore from heading back to vote.

Can Malaysia’s unity government survive a major BN win in state polls?

A strong showing by the Malay-led bloc in the coming polls could pressure Anwar into calling for an early general election, analysts say.

‘No DAP’: could Johor state election disrupt Malaysia’s unity coalition?

The refusal to work with DAP could be a defensive move to shore up BN’s Malay base in Johor ahead of the July 11 polls, analysts say.

Malaysia’s fight for Malay votes becomes a multiparty scrum

Five Malay parties, one electorate. Strip away ‘the logos and personalities’ and is there really any difference between them?

Malaysia’s got political talent: Bersama seeks poll candidates through audition

Led by two ex-ministers who left Anwar Ibrahim’s PKR, Bersama says it will take ‘about two weeks’ to finalise names.

Singapore’s tense drone trials, Thailand targets bad tourists: 7 Asia highlights

From Singapore’s weaponised drone trials to Thailand targeting bad tourists, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting.

Spoiler alert: why Malaysia’s Anwar should be wary of Rafizi’s Bersama party

Bersama may not have political clout to bring down the prime minister but may chip away support among his reformist base, analysts say.

Malaysia’s ruling coalition commits to staying united until ‘end of its term’

The communications minister’s remarks are aimed at easing concerns over the stability of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s administration.

Can Malaysia’s PM afford a snap poll as the fuel bill burns?

With his coalition crumbling and former allies defecting, Malaysia’s prime minister has a fast-narrowing window to secure a fresh mandate.

Why Malaysia’s election ‘war drums’ could be the end for Anwar’s coalition

Rival-turned-ally Umno – and allies-turned-rivals Rafizi and Nik Nazmi – may force the prime minister to call an early election.

Malaysian ex-ministers resign from Anwar’s party, snap election rumoured

Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad resigned from cabinet last year after losing leadership posts in internal party elections.

In Malaysia, ex-ministers challenge Anwar’s attempt to project strength

Rafizi and Nik Nazmi are holding an event to announce a new ‘political direction’ on the same day as Anwar’s party meets.

Malaysia seeks to charge 2 over US$278 million Arm semiconductor deal

Ex-economy minister Rafizi Ramli, who is questioned by the MACC, previously pitched the deal as key to the Malaysian chip sector’s future.

In Malaysia, Anwar’s former ally Rafizi Ramli grilled over Arm chip deal

The MACC is investigating power abuse claims and irregularities linked to the alliance between the economy ministry and the UK chip designer.

‘River of mud’ in Malaysia’s Cameron Highlands prompts accountability calls

Environmental NGO calls on authorities to adopt a more responsible approach when granting approvals for development projects in the area.

‘Their affair’: Anwar on Singapore’s refusal to negotiate over Hormuz

Responding to remarks by the city state’s top diplomat, Anwar said Malaysia balances regional ties with firm stands on global issues.

Malaysian anti-corruption body offers to pay for witness’s flight in chips probe

Ex-government aide James Chai, who is in London, said he was a ‘nobody’ who did not influence the US$250 million deal with Arm Holdings.

Minister denies link to Malaysia’s ‘corporate mafia’ saga

Ramanan Ramakrishnan has challenged businessman Victor Chin to identify the politician ‘Mr R’ said to be at the centre of the controversy.

Graft and gridlock: in Anwar’s Malaysia, reformist cracks widen

Malaysia’s prime minister can’t pass his own reform bills. His coalition appears to be cracking – and time is running out.

‘I am not Jho Low 2.0’: Malaysia Arm chip deal probe turns political

The probe into a flagship chip-design deal has sparked criticism, with Prime Minister Anwar’s allies questioning the investigation.

Is Rafizi Ramli now the conscience of Malaysia’s Reformasi movement?

Anwar dismisses the rift as a distraction, but his former lieutenant insists he is being targeted for questioning the government’s integrity.