Unrepentant Puad defends Rafizi criticism after Asyraf's reprimand

Umno supreme council member Mohd Puad Zarkashi has doubled down on his remarks against PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli's performance as the minister in charge of the economic portfolio.

This comes after Umno secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki noted a need for the party to reel in its leaders from attacking others in government.

“I was accused of shooting myself in the foot. Is asking Rafizi to present a realistic and extraordinary formula considered shooting my self in the foot?

“Is urging the minister that "performed" be considered shooting oneself in the foot?

“What is wrong with Rafizi being reprimanded? If he is exceptional, the unity government will be stronger,” Puad (above) said in a statement on Facebook.

Asyraf had said earlier that the party needed to contain and manage this kind of action.

"There is no point if we keep on attacking each other. Shoot our own foot to please certain quarters of society.

"When we form the government, it is a collective responsibility. It is not a one-man show; we need to put a stop to the blame game," he added.

An unrepentant Puad appeared to bristle at these words.

“What does shooting yourself in the foot mean? Can't be criticised? Can't be reprimanded? Can't give an opinion?

“My job is not to incite. I didn't even take Rafizi's old job,” he said in an apparent swipe at Rafizi’s previous role as a leading government critic when PKR was in opposition.

“Shooting yourself in the foot is when the minister does not perform, fails to do extraordinary things and his formula cannot be used. That weakens the government.

“I can be accused of shooting myself in the foot when fear of speaking up and weakness are allowed to run rampant. That's why I'm different from others,” he added.

On Wednesday, Puad claimed Rafizi's perceived lacklustre performance as economy minister has led to speculation of an impending cabinet reshuffle.

“The people have not seen Rafizi take any significant steps for the country’s economy…

“Did Rafizi not prepare to become a minister? That is the problem when you have a lot of formulas before becoming a minister,” he said.

In response to Puad, Rafizi urged Umno leaders to refrain from making comments that would push Pakatan Harapan supporters away as the party will also rely on votes from Harapan supporters in the upcoming state polls.

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