Too soon to be unhappy, Rafidah tells PH critics

Rafidah Aziz warns Malaysians that they can replace the present government at their own peril.

KUALA LUMPUR: Voters should give Pakatan Harapan (PH) the full five-year period to prove its mettle, former international trade minister Rafidah Aziz said, responding to critics who accuse the government of policy U-turns and breaking election promises.

“Give them five years and if there is no visible change, then you have the right to replace them,” she said at a dinner talk titled “Improving Socio-Economic Growth in Malaysia” organised by law firm Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill yesterday.

Rafidah, who served under three prime ministers including Dr Mahathir Mohamad, hit back at critics of PH who threaten to vote the coalition out, saying its performance cannot be gauged during a short period.

“Wah so powerful ah. You do that at your own peril. Please give them time,” she said.

“Some of us are merely arm chair critics, listening and watching, but try and do the work,” said Rafidah, who was among several ex-Umno veterans who actively campaigned for PH during the general election campaign last year.

Rafidah, 75, said Mahathir was chosen to lead the government because younger people could not do the task he was doing.

“He was happily retired. He was shocked when there was a change in government. Even the PH manifesto was 200 pages thick because they did not expect to win.

“We are in a state of flux where we haven’t finished a term yet and have to contend with so many problems, external and internal,” she said.

Rafidah said the nation needed a strong leadership to ensure stability and unity.

“In this country, so many people want to be in charge. But we want people who can take charge and put the country’s interests first.”

Without referring to anyone, Rafidah said: “Leaders should be elected because of their qualities, not by forcing a vacancy.”

She also took a swipe at those who try to impose their values on others.

“There are some who enforce their values and thinking on others in shaping rules and regulations, like by having a dress code,” she said.

To a question, Rafidah said religious bureaucrats should stay out of people’s private affairs.

“To me, no one shares my grave or sins and they cannot force their values on others,” she said - FMT