Rafizi under fire over campaign plans during floods

 

PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli has launched a campaign called Ayuh Malaysia while the party has held a series of mega rallies this month. (Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA: Puad Zarkashi has called Rafizi Ramli a hypocrite for intending to carry on with his “Ayuh Malaysia” campaign, despite the possibility of a flood.

Puad, a member of the Umno Supreme Council, said Rafizi had accused Umno of being willing to wade through floodwaters for the sake of power.

“He forgets that his campaign is motivated by political power,” Puad said. “When the floods hit Batu Pahat, did his truck bring aid to the flood victims? It brought lies.”

Earlier this month, more than 600 people in Batu Pahat, Johor, were evacuated after heavy rain and a high tide flooded low-lying areas.

-ADVERTISEMENT-

Ads by 

Puad’s comments were in response to a Facebook posting by Rafizi in which he said the Ayuh Malaysia truck would continue campaigning despite the possibility of flash floods, should rainfall continue.

Puad said Umno members were willing to wade through floods to help the victims. However, Rafizi did so because he had a waterproof truck, loaded with lies instead of help, Puad said.

Rafizi said in his latest Facebook posting four days ago that the rain had not stopped since the morning and there would be flash floods if it continued for another hour or two.

“Apart from campaigning to enlighten the people, this limited time also needs to be used to prepare PKR to face the flood disaster,” Rafizi said.

He added that volunteers were training PKR grassroots members to deal with floods. “While the majority of Malaysians are worried about floods, only Umno and its president are not worried,” he said.

Politicians from Barisan Nasional and the opposition have been taking pot shots at each other over the topic of election campaigning during floods.

The opposition had accused BN chairman cum Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi of being uncaring of the people’s suffering when he said the party was willing to wade through floodwaters to get the votes.

Rafizi had later said PKR would carry out a public referendum in response to Zahid’s statement, adding that he would personally work the poll to teach Zahid a lesson.

Zahid has accused the opposition of being afraid of losing should a general election be held during the monsoon season. He said Pakatan Harapan wanted the elections to be held next year to gain more time to discredit BN. - FMT