PAS MP fuels dissatisfaction over Rafizi's leave amid economic instability

Summary

• Ahmad Fadhli Shaari says it is nonsensical for Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli’s higher-ups to approve his long leave amid economic uncertainty.

• He claims this has made Malaysia a laughing stock.

• The Pasir Mas MP also takes issue with the appointment of a “junior” civil servant as Malaysia’s chief negotiator in tariff talks with the US.

PARLIAMENT | A PAS leader has reiterated the opposition's grouses over Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli’s leave of absence amid global economic uncertainty surrounding the US’ decision to impose reciprocal tariffs on imports.

Not mincing his words in the Dewan Rakyat today, PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari (PN-Pasir Mas) said it is “nonsensical” that Rafizi’s long break was approved by his higher-ups, claiming that the matter has made Malaysia a laughing stock.

“We are in a situation where we’re readying ourselves to enter an economic war, (but) a minister who holds quite an important portfolio was suddenly allowed to go on leave.

“This is a development that is quite astounding… we’re being laughed at,” Fadhli said in his debate during today’s special parliamentary sitting on the US tariffs.

He also alluded that Rafizi’s temporary step back from his ministerial duties could be linked to “party election issues”, believed to be a reference to how several candidates under Rafizi’s camp in PKR had been defeated at the recent disputed division polls.

Rafizi had gone on leave until May 31.

Last Friday, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had assured that Rafizi’s leave was not a problem, joking that he, too, was looking for a suitable time to take a break.

Anwar also denied that the Pandan MP’s leave was linked to dissatisfaction over PKR’s internal polls. 

However, Bersatu figures were quick to express their discontentment with the matter, insisting that Rafizi’s leave is both “irresponsible” and “deeply concerning” as the nation needs all its ministers working at full capacity during this period.

Appointment implies Putrajaya not serious in talks

Meanwhile, Fadhli also lamented how “no ministers” were supposedly in the lower House during his debate speech, saying: “We’re only convened for one day - it’s not that long of a period.”

He later acknowledged that Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz had entered the Dewan halfway through his speech. 

Taking issue with the ministry’s move to appoint its deputy secretary-general (trade) Mastura Ahmad Mustafa as Malaysia’s chief negotiator for formal tariff negotiations with the US, Fadhli said a more senior representative should have been selected.

Asserting that Mastura is “quite junior”, Fadhli said the appointment implies that Putrajaya is not “serious” in holding discussions with Washington counterparts. 

It was previously reported that Mastura is one of the ministry’s most experienced senior civil servants. 

Last month, the US announced higher tariffs on imports from about 60 countries, including on most Malaysian goods at a rate of 24 percent.

Subsequently, it granted a 90-day pause on the “reciprocal” tariffs for most countries to allow for trade negotiations.

Zafrul has since confirmed that Malaysia has not requested an extension of the 90-day pause and will work within the given timeframe.

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