Rengit assemblyman Puad Zarkashi urged Rafizi, the economy minister, to explain why he was taking a leave of absence from his ministerial duties.

“There’s a lot of speculation going around, and negative comments form the majority of it. If it’s true that his leave of absence is linked to the PKR elections, then it would be irresponsible of him.

“If he wants to protest against his party, he should quit as PKR deputy president rather than taking a long leave of absence and allowing his ministry to be without its boss for so long.

“It’s the ministry that’s more important. Ministry first, party second,” Puad said in a Facebook post.

While Rafizi did not attend yesterday’s special parliamentary sitting to discuss the US tariffs, he had attended a PKR central leadership council meeting the day before.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who is also PKR president, previously played down Rafizi’s decision to go on leave, saying it was a non-issue as he would only be on leave for a few days.

News of Rafizi’s leave surfaced after Malaysiakini quoted an unnamed Cabinet minister as confirming it but dismissing talk of his resignation.

This came amid speculation over Rafizi’s political standing, especially after the defeat of several apparent allies in PKR’s recent divisional polls. A slew of prominent incumbent divisional leaders were also knocked out, as members elected lesser-known figures.

Rafizi is expected to defend his position as PKR deputy president in this month’s central leadership elections. There is also speculation that he may be challenged by Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, who is the home minister.