Bersatu rep slams Rafizi's extended leave as 'irresponsible'

Summary

• A Bersatu state assemblyperson criticises Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli’s extended leave as “irresponsible” during economic uncertainty.

• Taman Medan lawmaker Dr Afif Bahardin said the minister should focus on economic recovery and resign if he can’t fulfill his duties.

Another Bersatu leader has stepped up criticism against Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli, calling his leave during a period of economic uncertainty both “irresponsible” and “deeply disappointing”.

Taman Medan assemblyperson Dr Afif Bahardin said Rafizi should be leading the country’s economic recovery efforts, not “disappearing without providing a reasonable explanation to the public”.

“Even more embarrassing is the fact that only the prime minister has stepped forward to defend his leave – as if such an important portfolio can be neglected at will,” he said in a statement today.

Afif, a former PKR Youth leader, added that Rafizi’s absence could send the wrong message to Malaysians and international investors.

“What message is being sent? That the nation’s economic leadership can be taken lightly? That failure in party elections is more important than the country’s economic well-being?

“We stress - the country needs an economy minister who is stable, effective, and fully committed to the role. Not a minister who disappears in times of crisis,” he said.

“If Rafizi can no longer fulfil this trust, he should resign immediately. And if he continues to refuse, the prime minister must act decisively by dismissing a minister who has failed in his duties.”

Rafizi, who is also the PKR deputy president, is on leave until May 31. A cabinet minister, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed his leave amid speculation Rafizi may quit his government post.

Anwar’s denial

Last Friday, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim brushed off the issue, saying Rafizi’s leave was not a problem and even joked that he, too, was looking for a suitable time to take leave.

When asked if the Pandan MP’s leave was linked to dissatisfaction over PKR’s internal polls, Anwar denied this.

On the same day, Bersatu Youth information chief Harris Idaham Rashid called for Rafizi’s leave to be cancelled, arguing that the nation needs all its ministers at work during this period.

Meanwhile, PKR election committee chief Dr Zaliha Mustafa yesterday denied claims that the postponement of nominations for party central leadership positions – initially scheduled for this weekend – had anything to do with Rafizi’s leave.

The nominations are now set to take place on May 8 and 9. Rafizi is expected to defend his position as PKR deputy president.

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