Rafizi said he had gained a lot of knowledge from them after serving as minister for more than two years, adding that he appreciated the lessons they had taught him.

“God-willing, we will meet again. And God-willing, when we meet again, I’ll be skinnier and healthier than I am now,” he said in a Facebook post.

Today is Rafizi’s final day as economy minister.

Rafizi said the ministry’s job scope was vast, covering the macro policies of the various sectors in the country and approving capital expenditure requests submitted by every ministry.

As a minister, the PKR man said he needed to become knowledgeable about all these sectors, from agriculture to health, energy and education, as well as to oversee the implementation of various projects.

“That’s why I’m indebted to all these civil servants in the economy ministry. I have learnt so much from them in carrying out my duties, more than they have learnt from me.”

The Pandan MP said he only had pleasant memories from his time in the economy ministry, reiterating that he had no concern about the government’s capability to plot the nation’s development.

“This is because the backbone of the government are the civil servants who love this country so much,” he added.

“I have received many gifts from ministry staff members in view of my departure and I thank them all.

“But the biggest gift that I bring home is the knowledge I’ve gained, thanks to your guidance and instruction.”