PETALING JAYA: Former Minister of Economy, Rafizi Ramli, has fired back at the Ministry of Education following criticism surrounding his decision to resign from the Cabinet. In a series of posts on social media, Rafizi argued that the ministry’s focus on his departure is a deliberate attempt to divert attention from more pressing issues within the education system.

Rafizi’s early resignation from the Cabinet sparked a wave of public and political commentary. While some praised his principled stance, others questioned the timing and potential impact on the government. The Ministry of Education's response, which seemed to emphasize the disruption caused by his exit, drew particular ire from the former minister.

“The Education Ministry’s reaction to my resignation is a classic tactic – create a distraction,” Rafizi stated. “Instead of addressing the real problems in our schools, they’re choosing to focus on me. This is a disservice to our students and teachers.”

He elaborated on the issues he believes the ministry should be prioritizing, including concerns about outdated curriculum, inadequate resources for teachers, and the persistent achievement gap between different socioeconomic groups. “We need to be honest about the challenges we face. Pretending that everything is fine while pointing fingers at those who raise concerns is not a solution,” he added.

Rafizi's critique extends beyond the ministry’s immediate response, reflecting a broader concern about the government’s approach to addressing systemic problems. He has consistently advocated for evidence-based policymaking and greater transparency in government decision-making. His resignation, he has maintained, was motivated by a desire to focus on advocating for these principles outside the constraints of Cabinet.

The former minister's remarks have ignited a debate about the role of ministers and advisors in holding the government accountable. Some observers argue that his willingness to publicly criticize government policies, even after leaving office, demonstrates a commitment to serving the public interest. Others suggest that his actions could undermine the stability of the government.

However, Rafizi remains steadfast in his position. He believes that constructive criticism is essential for good governance and that avoiding difficult conversations only perpetuates problems. “My priority now is to continue advocating for reforms that will benefit all Malaysians, regardless of their background or political affiliation,” he concluded. The Education Ministry has yet to issue a further response to Rafizi’s statements.

This ongoing exchange highlights the complexities of Malaysian politics and the challenges of navigating public discourse in a rapidly changing environment. It also underscores the importance of focusing on substantive issues rather than getting bogged down in personal attacks and distractions.