Former minister Rafidah Aziz has defended her criticisms against the impending 'red shirt' rally, saying it is her right to do so.

She said following her criticism, she had been slammed as being old, no longer a minister, and anti-government.

"I am an Umno member since I was 22. I will die an Umno member InsyaAllah (God willing),” she countered, while saying that the criticisms against her were ‘shallow’.

"Now, having said all that, I have every right as a concerned citizen to voice my opinion at any time and on any issue I see fit, without malice or self-interest.

"I believe leaders must lead with integrity and should there be issues that affect national interest, then those issues should be resolved accordingly," she added in a Facebook post.

Rafidah said she is proud to be 72 years' old, and to have served Umno for 50 years and the government for 32 years.

"I have been involved in some way, in helping to solve all the crises this country faced during those years.

"I was already an Umno division committee member when the sad May 13, 1969, tragedy happened.

"What I am saying is that I am an old-timer who has participated in, and witnessed, the growth and development of our people and country," she added.

Rafidah said she belongs to a political culture that prioritises integrity, national interest, and to serve the people regardless of race or creed.

She reiterated there is no place in Malaysia for "narrow racial sentiments".

The former minister, who had been dubbed the 'Iron Lady' during her term in cabinet, had previously questioned the need for the 'red shirt' rally slated for Sept 16.

The rally - planned to be held at the Bukit Bintang and Petaling Street areas - is meant to counter the Bersih 4 rally held on Aug 29 and 30.

The police had said the rally would not be allowed to proceed but the event continues to receive tacit support form Umno leaders.