UMNO Supreme Council member Datuk Dr Puad Zarkashi has publicly called for Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli to be given a different portfolio if Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim reshuffles the Cabinet.
Puad expressed disappointment in Rafizi’s economic strategies, labelling them as lacking innovation in a Facebook post. He specifically criticised Rafizi’s suggestion for people to cook and eat at home, deeming it too basic.
“Perhaps Rafizi should be given the opportunity to present a ‘formula’ for tourism instead. It could be effective. Maybe Rafizi will become the best tourism minister,” he said.
This isn’t the first instance of Puad openly criticising Rafizi. Earlier in May, he questioned the effectiveness of Rafizi’s policies, particularly in comparison to the previous government’s Bantuan Rakyat 1Malaysia (BR1M) initiative.
“Where are his better-than-BR1M policies?” he asked, referring to the government assistance introduced during former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s administration in 2012 to boost disposable household income and narrow the income gap among the people.
Meanwhile, UMNO secretary-general Datuk Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki chastised Puad in June for his continuous criticism of Rafizi, emphasising the importance of collective responsibility within the Pakatan Harapan (PH)-led administration and that it was pointless for parties in the government to continuously attack one another.
Moreover, Rafizi acknowledged criticism as part of his job but highlighted the potential negative impact on PH’s core supporters due to incessant attacks within the government. – Sept 29, 2023
