“I’d be grateful if Tok Pa could continue to contribute his expertise (even though he has retired) in matters under the ministry that is close to his heart,” he said referring to Mustapa with the moniker by which he is popularly known.

“Matters such as the eradication of poverty as well as on economic sustainability, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG),” Rafizi said in a Facebook post.

He also shared a picture he took with Mustapa when the former Jeli MP visited him on Monday.

Rafizi said he was happy to continue initiatives he inherited from Mustapa, who was economic affairs minister under the Muhyiddin Yassin and Ismail Sabri Yaakob administrations.

“(However) if there is room for improvement in terms of implementation, then we should focus on that,” he said.

The deputy PKR president said both he and his predecessor shared many similarities, including being professionally trained in economics and finance, as well as having a passion for helping the needy.

“Thank you, Tok Pa, for your service to the people for almost three decades as the people’s representative,” said Rafizi.