Rural and Regional Development Minister Shafie Apdal today said he will not resign from cabinet for merely raising issues of public interest.

"Why should I quit my position for raising questions in the interest of the country?

"(I have) no intention of quitting," he told a press conference in Kuala Lumpur.

He was asked to respond to speculation that he may be stepping down after Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's ultimatum to cabinet members to resign, if they were not comfortable with his handling of the 1MDB controversy.

Shafie also refused to answer any question related to 1MDB, saying Finance Minister II Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah ( photo ) will be addressing all 1MDB issues tonight in a special broadcast on TV1.

"Just listen to Husni," Shafie parried.

For his part, Shafie said he had consistently raised questions about 1MDB, but that doesn't mean he disagreed with it.

"Some people might construe that I am criticising it, But it's normal for people to disagree on certain things and agree on other things."

Related stories

1MDB's 'tell all' raises more queries, say critics

1MDB reveals all on 'missing' billions

Dr M's diagnosis - cabinet fails 1MDB test

Special meet was on 1MDB, 'doable' plan revealed

Bank Negara commences formal inquiry on 1MDB

'Arrived late' Muhyiddin skips special meet

Dr M has good reasons to doubt auditor-general