Former Trade Minister Rafidah Aziz Saddened, Worried About the future

Rafidah says saddened, worried about the future


Published: 31 August 2015 3:34 PM | Updated: 31 August 2015 7:02 PM

Part of the National Day parade in Kuala Lumpur today. Former minister Rafidah Aziz says her Merdeka celebrations have been affected by recent events in the country. – The Malaysian Insider pic by Afif Abd Halim, August 31, 2015.



Former international trade and industry minister Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz said she felt a “deep sadness” as she celebrated Merdeka Day today because of all that had happened in the country, including the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) financial scandal.







Rafidah (pic, right) said on her Facebook account late last night that the many things which had taken place had "cast a dark shadow over what should have been a joyous Merdeka celebration".



"First, the 1MDB fiasco hangs like a Damocles sword over the country. What has happened to the investigations?


"It appears things have stalled... That is not good for the country as there must be serious efforts to get to the bottom of it all," the former Wanita Umno chief said in her posting.



Rafidah also mentioned the RM2.6 billion donation deposited into Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s personal accounts shortly before the general election two years ago.

"Then there is the RM2.6 billion extremely generous ‘donation' from some foreigner... which begs the questions 'why', and 'who benefitted’.

"It certainly is a clear example of how money politics have reached a new high!” she said, adding that the issue had become a sore point among the people.

Rafidah also criticised the explanations given so far as "so incredulous” and "have given rise to more questions”.

The governance of the country was the last on her list, as she said that too much focus had been diverted to other things.

"It is well and good to allude to global economic problems and the economic contagion... but too much focus has been diverted to other things... and not to economic governance.

"The private sector's confidence in Malaysia will be eroded if businesses cannot find support and cooperation from the government.”

Rafidah said there must be continuous interaction with all levels of business so that the private sector could continue to give input to the country's economic growth.

"There must be serious effort to reduce dissatisfaction across the board.

"It will be so sad if as we enter the 59th year of the independence of Malaysia, we have to carry the burdensome excess baggage of 2015. Merdeka Malaysia!”

Malaysia and the world had for the last two days seen thousands gather in the Bersih 4 rally to protest against the Najib administration over issues affecting the nation, as well as his leadership, which is also questioned by some of his party members.

Even Dr Mahathir, his one-time supporter, is calling for Najib to resign. – August 31, 2015.

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