Bid to topple govt recipe for instability, cautions Rafidah

Former international trade and industry minister Rafidah Aziz has called on all quarters to put national interest above other considerations and allow the current government to run for the remaining period of its term.

“Lately, there has been much talk of plots to topple the existing government, with the so-called Dubai Move and such, and horse-trading amongst the political parties.

“While such developments tend to be excused as ‘democracy at work’, it is important to remember that of utmost importance is the national interest and that of the people.

“Any attempt to topple an existing government is the recipe for instability within the operating environment,” she said.

Rafidah said the people would feel the insecurity while those who deal with Malaysia such as investors, both existing and potential, would be disinclined to be in Malaysia.

“There are other countries also offering competitive business and economic environments, and have that necessary political stability,” she noted.

Therefore, Rafidah said, it is for the nation's good to allow the existing government to complete its term.

‘Ensure no disconnect’

As for the government, she urged it to be more committed to implementing the announced policy measures and programmes as well as to tighten the monitoring and reporting processes.

“This is to avoid continued abuses of authority and leakages of public funds because of irregularities and inefficiencies.

“There will be that time to undertake whatever necessary reforms and changes as well as to rethink some of the less viable and relevant policy measures.

“And, equally important, to ensure there is no disconnect between the rakyat's aspirations and what the government wants to do,” she added.

Rafidah also called on the government to put an end to “almost nonsensical utterances and directives” made in the name of religion at all levels of the administration.

She said such things bring about fractiousness and divisiveness amongst Malaysians.

“There must be that important political stability in Malaysia and no disruption to that should be tolerated,” she added.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim dismissed talk of toppling his government as having no basis.

He claimed that it was a deliberate attempt by the opposition to hoodwink its supporters so they would not lose their spirit.

Anwar also believes that the opposition lacked the numbers to move a vote of no confidence against him in Parliament.

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