FORMER senior education minister Datuk Dr Mohd Radzi Jidin has taken a swipe at newly minted Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli for his muted stance on Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim assuming the dual role of Prime Minister (PM)-cum-Finance Minister.
The Bersatu-Perikatan Nasional (PN) MP for Putrajaya went on to cite a Facebook post by Rafizi on Sept 16, 2015 whereby the Pandan MP had filed a Private Bill to enact an act that prevented a PM from appointing himself as the Finance Minister.
The bill which was tabled during the administration of incarcerated ex-premier Datuk Seri Najib Razak did not see the light of the day.
If this is not strong enough a case, Radzi said the Pakatan Harapan (PH) manifesto for the 14th General Election (GE14) had pledged that “The PM will not hold another ministerial position, in particular that of the Finance Minister”.
“Surely, we will remember what was mentioned by Amanah president Mohamad Sabu in his (campaign) speech (for GE14),” shared Radzi.
“Finance Minister, Najib. PM also Najib. When 1MDB doesn’t have enough money because of lavish spending, Najib will ask the Finance Ministry for money, A case of Najib asking Najib. Najib would say … I will discuss it first PM Najib first.
“After Najib discussed with Najib, Najib will gain access to the people’s money. If such is the pattern of our government, a mountain of gold, even a mountain of diamonds, will be spent. At the end of the day, the rakyat and yourself (the audience) will be in difficulty.”
To re-cap, Najib held the finance portfolio himself resulting in many in the political arena accusing him of abuses which eventually led to the 1MDB (1Malaysia Development Bhd) scandal and the subsequent disparaging of his government in the international media for money laundering and fraudulent activities.
Being in opposition now, Radzi added spice to his criticism of Rafizi by boldly asking, “Where is the reformasi spirit that is always being chanted? Is reformasi just a slogan when one is in the opposition camp?”
While Radzi raised some interesting points in his arguments, PH supporters who responded to him dismissed his views especially about putting in place a check and balance mechanism, pointing out that things have changed and that Anwar probably made the best decision to hold the Finance Minister portfolio himself.
Even Rafizi seems to have ignored the several tweets from Radzi in which he was tagged. Instead, he posted a light recreation tweet today”
“GE15 is over, the government is in place. It’s time for us to return to our daily routine – search for halal sustenance, do the best in everything, be devoted & to seek God’s pleasure. Whether in government or the opposition, do the best for the people. To those who are fat, please exercise”. – Dec 4, 2022
Main photo credit: MOE
