Rafizi reminds Puad not to push Harapan voters away from Umno

 

Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli urged Umno leaders such as supreme council member Mohd Puad Zarkashi to refrain from making comments that would push Pakatan Harapan supporters away.

He reminded that Umno is part of the federal government with Harapan and they will also rely on votes from Harapan supporters in the upcoming state polls.

“The only thing I wish people like Puad (above, left) should remember is that we are now in the unity government together.

“Next state elections include Harapan strongholds like Selangor, Penang and Negeri Sembilan and Umno needs as many Harapan votes as they need their own votes to win seats in these states.

“It is best not to stir and push away Harapan voters. This is why I have not said anything about Umno because I want to focus on my job and his (Umno) colleagues in the cabinet fully understand this,” Rafizi said.

He was speaking to the media after the stakeholder session on the half-term study of the 12th Malaysia Plan with the Selangor government held in Shah Alam today.

Criticism of performance

The PKR deputy president was responding to a reporter’s question on Puad’s statement yesterday where he said Rafizi’s performance as a minister was lacklustre.

Puad implied this was what led to speculation of a cabinet reshuffle.

Rafizi warned there has already been a negative reaction from Harapan supporters over this kind of remarks from their colleagues in Umno.

In response to Puad saying he has not performed as a minister, Rafizi said he does not need to explain himself to every “Tom, Dick and Harry”.

“There has always been a lack of communication and understanding between what I say and do and the eventual result.

“I have built my track record by focusing on what needs to be done because I understand my job is to fix the structure and build strength and you see that comes much later.

“It is the same thing with the economy. We have a lot of structural problems (to resolve),” he added.

Rafizi noted that he gets acknowledgement from the investment community overseas because they understand what he is trying to do as the economy minister. - Mkini