KUALA LUMPUR, July 28 — Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal today insisted that his dissent over Putrajaya’s handling of 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) was a reflection of grassroots sentiment.
Following news of his removal, Shafie said it was the prime minister’s prerogative to do so, but insisted that his actions were meant to help reinforce Umno and put the nation in the proper direction.
“If this is considered misaligned with the stand of Datuk Seri Najib, then it is his right as prime minister to conduct the reshuffle.
“Since serving in the Cabinet, I have performed with trust and the best responsibility to ensure the peace of the people, especially those in the rural areas,” he said in a statement.
Shafie was replaced by Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
Last month, Shafie was reported to be among three ministers who dissented over how Putrajaya was dealing with the controversy over 1MDB.
The reported clash had prompted Najib to ask his ministers who disagreed with the handling of 1MDB to leave his administration.
Also dropped today was Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who was replaced by Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi as deputy prime minister.
