SHAH ALAM, June 1 — Umno supreme council member Datuk Seri Puad Zarkashi should be mindful of openly criticising allies in the national unity government lest he “annoys” their supporters, Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli said today.
Accused of underperforming by Puad amidst rumours of a possible Cabinet reshuffle, the PKR deputy president sought to remind the Umno leader that his party would need the backing of Pakatan Harapan’s supporters now that it was a part of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s unity government.
“The only thing I wish for people like Puad to remember is this: we are now in the unity government.
“In the next state elections, which includes PH strongholds like Selangor, Penang and Negeri Sembilan, Umno needs as many PH votes as Umno needs its own to win seats in these states.
“It is best not to stir and push away PH voters from that,” Rafizi told reporters at a press conference here.
Rafizi said he has not spoken of Umno at large because he was focused on his ministerial duties, about which his Cabinet colleagues from Umno would have full understanding.
“I don’t think I should spend too much time answering comments by any Tom, Dick and Harry.
“I think it’s best Puad also remembers he may annoy PH supporters if he keeps doing this.
“We’re no longer opponents, his party actually needs a lot of goodwill from PH supporters in states where they are going to contest where we won throughout,” he said.
Puad’s remarks follow a rumoured Cabinet reshuffle after the state elections in Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Penang, Kelantan, Terengganu and Kedah within months.
Last week, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim dismissed the rumour by pointedly saying those with ideas for a reshuffle could “write to me, I will consider if you have good suggestions.”
