A random poll in Kuala Lumpur revealed that the majority of respondents feel that International Trade and Industry Minister Rafidah Aziz should step down immediately over her botched handling of the Approved Permits (APs) issue.

Of the 30 Malaysians approached at two LRT stations this afternoon, 11 were of the firm view that the minister should resign.

Of the rest, seven felt she should be allowed to remain as minister. Nine did not want to comment because they felt this was a "sensitive issue", while three students said they had not kept up with the issue.

The poll was conducted following a statement last Saturday by Backbenchers Club chairperson Shahrir Abdul Samad, who said Rafidah should quit if she finds it hard to respect the cabinet's decision not to comment on the issue of AP.

He also said that she should "stop making a fool of herself by talking about matters which are no longer under her ministry".

Rafidah had been quoted in The Star as expressing her "personal" preference that the AP system should be abolished, although she also acknowledged that others may disagree with her.

Mixed views

One respondent, Suhaimi Hamzah, 43, said Rafidah should resign as "it is time for change".

"Change probably helps. It would be good to have new ideas and a new set of people handling the ministry," he said.

Suhaimi, a director in the engineering sector, said it would be best for Rafidah to leave the position while she is at her best.

However, he also noted that "she's in the worst-possible position now, if you look at her current situation".

"Sometimes ministers tend to hang on to the position for as long as they can," he added, as he wondered aloud as to why ministers find it so hard to let go of their posts.

A 23-year old local undergraduate who declined to be identified, agreed with Suhaimi's sentiments, saying "it is time for her to resign".

According to him, Rafidah should step down as soon as possible because the AP issue has not been handled properly.

Maizal Sabri ( left ), 29, said it is about time that Rafidah hands over the designation and responsibility to others, noting that she has been with the ministry for quite some time - 16 years.

Among those who took the opposite view was Hajar, 23, who did not want to give her full name.

"She should not resign just because of one issue," said Hajar, who works in the retail sector.

Retail manager George Liew, 32, said Rafidah should be transferred to another ministry instead.

"She has been with the ministry for so long and it is not fair to punish her just like that. It would be best for Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi himself to deal with this matter and decide when changes should be made," he said.

Rafidah has been under fire because of the AP issue for the past two months, drawing flak from both her colleagues in Barisan Nasional as well as opposition leaders.

Abdullah has since set up a cabinet committee to review the AP policy and the draft national automotive policy prepared by the minister. An announcement on the new policy is expected next month.