Even criticising 1MDB within BN would get one sacked, says former minister Zainuddin Maidin.

Zainuddin was responding to the Special Affairs Department – the government's propaganda arm – asking Rais Yatim to resign from his post as special adviser to the government if he cannot air his views through proper channels.

Rais had been critical of Putrajaya on the 1MDB issue, particularly the lack of action taken against businessperson Low Taek Jho, a key figure in the scandal.

"Jasa official Tun Faisal Ismail Aziz asked Rais Yatim to resign his ministerial position for openly criticising the government.

"Rais chose to do so openly, because one would be sacked even if it was done behind closed doors.

"He is merely trying to open the eyes of the people towards Umno's closed democracy," Zainuddin said on Twitter.

He appeared to be referring to former Umno leaders Muhyiddin Yassin and Mukhriz Mahathir, who were dismissed after raising concerns within the government about 1MDB.

Muhyiddin was dismissed as deputy prime minister, while Mukhriz was removed as Kedah menteri besar, and were subsequently sacked from Umno.

Former Umno vice-president Mohd Shafie Apdal was also removed as Rural and Regional Minister for his criticisms of the scandal. He subsequently resigned from Umno.

Earlier today, Jasa advisory panel member Tun Faisal asked Rais to resign if he couldn't behave like a minister and use the proper channels to air his grouses.

Though not leading any ministry, Rais is a special adviser to the government on cultural matters, a position similar to that of a minister.