Former minister Rafidah Aziz has urged the government not to sidestep the serious issues of integrity, public trust, governance and money politics facing the country.

She warned that no amount of ‘spin’ can right a wrong and the powers-that-be should attend to these issues instead of playing politics.

“If it’s not good for Malaysia, then stop it and seriously find ways to remedy the damage. Do not sidestep serious issues.

“No amount of ‘comms’ and ‘spins’ can right a wrong just as two wrongs do not make a right […]

“To the powers-that-be, please do not play politics. Please attend to the issues and present to the public the outcomes,” she said in a Facebook post today.

She lamented what wherever she goes, she is being asked ‘that question’ that is on the minds of most Malaysians every day and which is 'What is happening to Malaysia?'

“What answer do, and can, we give?” she said.

She did not specify in her Facebook post what issue was she referring to but it is likely that she was referring to the RM2.6 billion donation that Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak allegedly received and which she had voiced concern over before.

“What is being questioned and debated are real issues for which answers are being sought. Real issues which directly affect the country, having to do with integrity and public trust, governance and money politics,” she said, while lamenting that these matters were being taken lightly and answers were not forthcoming.

'Some seem to be in denial'

On another matter, Rafidah questioned the need for a counter-rally by the ‘red shirts’ in response to the yellow-clad Bersih 4 protest over the weekend.

Previously Sungai Besar Umno division chief Jamal Mohd Yunos had vowed to bring one million people onto the streets to show support for Najib.

Rafidah, known as the 'Iron Lady' during her term in cabinet. asked what benefit could come from a counter-demonstration and voiced concern over the money that would be spent to finance it besides driving away tourists and investors.

“Really, is no one listening to the grouses of the public? The messages are not at all registering where they should.

“Some people seem to be in denial. Either that, or perhaps they think the voices we are hearing don’t matter,” she said.

Rafidah also gave credit to the Bersih 4 organisers and rally-goers.

“The Bersih 4, to their credit , has been a peaceful demonstration and they have been vocal on what they are demanding. I am sure their message is clear,” she said.

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