[UPDATED] Stop blame game in unity govt: Asyraf Wajdi

KUALA LUMPUR – The blame game in the cabinet must stop as the unity government is a collective responsibility, not a one-man show, said Umno secretary-general Datuk Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki.

He was responding to Datuk Seri Puad Zarkashi’s accusation that Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli was underperforming, which fuelled speculation of a cabinet reshuffle.

“(There is) no point if we keep attacking each other and shooting our own foot to please certain quarters of society,” he said in a press conference at Umno’s headquarters here today.

“The most important thing is maintaining our focus on ensuring the country can move forward and the well-being of the people.”

Asyraf also said that there have not been any “mischievous voices” since the unity government started six months ago. 

He added that no issues similar to those faced by Pakatan Harapan during its 22 months of administration between 2018 and 2020 have arisen this time. 

Meanwhile, Asyraf said this year’s Umno general assembly will be different from its predecessors, as Anwar will be in attendance alongside 19 party presidents under the unity government. 

Pertinent topics expected to be covered during the assembly include the people’s welfare, the economy, religion, and the nation’s political stability. 

Asyraf also anticipates that the spokesmen of states undergoing the upcoming state elections will also bring up issues faced by their respective grassroots.

The assembly is also expected to host about 6,340 people, following amendments to the Umno constitution that allow the assembly to be attended by information chiefs from the party wings and sections. 

The party is expected to involve 2,808 representatives, while the women’s wing will see an attendance of 1,159 people. 

The youth and Puteri wings will include 1,160 and 1,134 representatives, respectively. – The Vibes, June 2, 2023