Malaysia

Rafizi slams S’gor for letting factories run, beefs with Kit Siang’s aide on Twitter

Former PKR veep says state govt can do more, lays into Syahredzan Johan for disagreeing

Updated 4 years ago · Published on 11 Jul 2021 10:25PM

Rafizi slams S’gor for letting factories run, beefs with Kit Siang’s aide on Twitter
Rafizi Ramli says Selangor authorities can revoke the licence of factories that fail to follow Covid-19 standard operating procedures. – Wikipedia pic, July 11, 2021

by A. Azim Idris

KUALA LUMPUR – Former PKR vice-president Rafizi Ramli has engaged in a war of words with allies and supporters of the party, especially DAP’s Syahredzan Johan.

This was after he criticised the Selangor government’s alleged failure to close down factories as the war against Covid-19 rages on in the state.

His squabbles with Pakatan Harapan supporters began after he pointed a question in the direction of Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari and the state government.

“If Miti (the International Trade and Industry Ministry) gives the approval (to operate) but the state government (through local authorities) revokes licenses, the factories would then need to close right?” Rafizi said on Twitter.

“Why don’t (you) do that? Please enlighten me.”

Rafizi was referring to a similar action being mooted by the Melaka government.

According to Bernama, Melaka Unity, Community Relations, Manpower and Consumer Affairs Committee chairman Datuk Ismail Othman said he would recommend the temporary closure of factories that have triggered Covid-19 clusters in the state.

Ismail said the measure would allow all workers to undergo screening or be quarantined if they tested positive.

Some Twitter users asked why Rafizi chose to air his grouses openly when he could have personally contacted Amirudin, but Syahredzan said the Selangor government could not simply act on its own volition.

“We are angry when the (federal) government acts willy-nilly as though there are no laws. But then there are those who ask the state government to do as it wishes,” said Syahredzan, who is a political aide to DAP supremo Lim Kit Siang.

In response, Rafizi shared several screenshots of local by-laws, and asked Syahredzan to read the Acts involved first.

“Focus on solutions. If the federal government prevents (the closures), then you get the political mileage for trying. Even that needs to be taught,” Rafizi said.

After several other exchanges, Rafizi posted another tweet asking why DAP and Amirudin’s supporters were defensive when it came to using the state’s power to close factories.

“Are you no longer socialist youth? Have you become a ‘tauke kilang’ (factory owner) youth? If someone else tweets you won’t pay attention, but if I tweet then it’s taken to heart.”

A Twitter user by the name of HC Lim suggested that both Rafizi and Syahredzan cease pointing fingers at each other and be constructive.

However, Syahredzan noted that he was dismayed by Rafizi’s remarks.

“I have no issue about debating this, but I must say that my disappointment is that he is taking this patronising attitude towards me,” Syahredzan said.

“I am not an MP, adun (assemblyman) or local councillor. I try to be civil in my replies anyway.” – The Vibes, July 11, 2021

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