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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

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?

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

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.

Probe into anti-corruption chief revives doubts about Malaysia’s reform drive

The government has ordered an investigation as critics question whether oversight mechanisms are strong enough.

‘Enough is enough’: Malaysians rally to demand arrest of anti-corruption head

The protest against Azam is the biggest since Malaysians rallied in October to demand government action against Israel over the Gaza war.

Malaysia smashes high-end sex syndicate charging US$900 a session

The suspected ringleader and salesmen are Chinese nationals while a Singaporean and Malaysian have been asked to assist in investigations.

Malaysia’s Anwar defends anti-corruption chief over new share scandal

MACC chief Azam Baki has clarified that he had openly declared the shares and held on to them for less than a year.

Trump’s dance, Najib’s 1MDB saga, influencer case: Malaysia leads Asean in 2025

The country hosts the region’s biggest event, sees a new twist in the 1MDB scandal and is at a critical political juncture.

Malaysia’s Anwar reshuffles cabinet to focus on ‘stronger growth’

The changes come after months of pressure on his government, sparked by several key resignations and rising inflation.

Malaysian ex-minister Rafizi challenges PM Anwar’s anti-corruption credentials

He alleged that anti-corruption officers targeted PKR candidates who challenged the prime minister’s daughter in party polls.