KUALA LUMPUR – PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli has assured that he will continue to combat the inflammatory sentiments that are purportedly being played up by the Perikatan Nasional (PN) opposition.
In a Facebook post today, Rafizi lambasted PN for only being able to toy with such sentiments rather than constructively criticise government policies as any effective opposition should.
“They thought that the opposition’s function was just to raise hateful sentiments. They forgot that the opposition needs to understand policies, monitor its implementation, and champion the voice of the people as well to highlight their daily challenges,” said Rafizi.
“Do not become like PN/PAS – when they were in the government, they were gleefully pleased with themselves despite not caring for the welfare of the people. Only when they were not in the government, (rejected by the people) were they the most vocal.
“We will meet on the people’s stage and in Parliament.
“Let the people judge who is more responsible,” he added.
Recently appointed as economic minister, Rafizi, however, explained that his political work will only take place after office hours, as he aims to prioritise his official functions to serve the public interest.
“When I am on duty, I will focus on my responsibilities as a minister. The priority now is to streamline policies and the implementation of projects so it could deliver the most impact on the people in our preparation to face 2023’s economic challenges.
“Outside of office hours, I will take on PN/PAS. I will answer the issues that they raise, and I will coordinate efforts with activists and other leaders in the unity government to monitor their performance as the opposition,” he said.
Rafizi said starting next week, he will begin to issue statements in his political capacity to combat these perceptions after settling into his responsibilities as the minister-in-charge of economic affairs.
Similarly, Rafizi also said that he will begin campaigning for state elections next January.
“We will campaign on the platform of PKR and Ayuh Malaysia just as we did before the formation of the unity government without any involvement or even funding from the government,” he said.
The states of Terengganu, Kedah, Kelantan, Selangor, Negri Sembilan and Penang are expected to hold their state elections by the middle of next year before their terms end. – The Vibes, December 11, 2022
