RAFIDAH DAH MULA BERSUARA

The Malay Mail-2/2/2012

Rafidah: Leave if you are a burden!

Equating tainted leaders to a gangrenous toe, former minister says they should put party above self and quit

Wednesday, February 1, 2012 - 21:40

by Terence Fernandez

by Azril Annuar

KUALA LUMPUR: Former Wanita Umno chief Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz has launched a scathing, thinly-veiled attack on her successor Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil, suggesting that the latter should vacate all posts in Umno and the government.

In a candid interview with The Malay Mail recently, Rafidah stopped short of naming Shahrizat but the references were clearly pointed at the Women, Family and Community Development Minister.

“If you are a problem to the party and government, please move out!

“That’s it (for) everyone, whether it’s got to do with cows or anything (else). That’s the most matured way of dealing with your problems,” said Rafidah.

“Why are you so hung up about the three-week decision (to take a break)? You’re missing the point!

“The point is: damn it, decide, don’t leave it (the decision to go) to the Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak). Don’t leave the onus on the Prime Minister to decide for you.”

Rafidah’s remarks are bound to re-ignite talks of hostility between the two Umno heavyweights. Shahrizat had toppled Rafidah from her Wanita chief post in 2009.

The Kuala Kangsar MP said a chain was only as strong as its weakest link.

“If your toe has gangrene, you don’t chop off the whole leg, you just amputate the toe!”

Hence, she said leaders who have become a liability to their respective political parties should take the right step and leave the party or at least resign from their posts rather than passing the burden to party leadership as they do not fit Najib’s definition of a “winnable candidate”.

The Prime Minister had on several occassions stressed that the Barisan Nasional would only field what he termed as “winnable candidates” in the next general elections.

“Whoever is in the wrong, please do the needful. But do not use the same brush stroke to tarnish the government.That’s why I say if you’re a bother to the government, you are a liability to the government and to the party, (and should) make the decision to move away,” she said.

Known as the Iron Lady, Rafidah was also quick to slam anyone who intends to open old wounds such as the allegations of the awarding of Approved Permit (APs) that was used against her during her time in government.

She said it was unfair to equate the two incidents.

“There was no evidence and there was no link to any family member,” she said.

“You think I’m not a God-fearing woman and do all these things? It’s a sin, you know!”

Shahrizat, who is currently abroad, did not respond to calls and text messages.

INCURRING THE IRON LADY’S IRE: Rafidah denied there were any similarities between the current NFC funds abuse uproar and the AP scandal during her time in government

• Look out for Rafidah’s interview next week