Rais: Health minister shows how to do the job without apple polishing PM

Rais Hussin has lauded Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad over the handling of the Covid-19 outbreak.

Taking to Twitter this afternoon, the Emir Research president said the Amanah leader managed to execute his ministerial responsibilities without dabbling in internal politics.

“As a health Minister, Dzul is doing a tremendous job, doing what is expected out of him and more without apple polishing the PM.

“Some other minister has become an expert in apple polishing but forgets to deliver on his ministry's deliverables. Eternally politicking. People suffer,” he added.

However, Rais, who is also Bersatu's chief strategist, did not mention names.

He also retweeted 12 characteristics for a person to earn respect, which he described as “great advice to all Malaysian politicians.”

The 12 characteristics are: Do not lie (to yourself or others), do not defend dishonesty, do not pretend, do not manipulate, do not hide the truth, say what you mean, do not cheat, give trust, explain your decisions, share your intent, deliver on promises and do not brag.

Speaking to Malaysiakini later, Rais said the administration must focus on delivering the promises contained in its manifesto.

“Energy must be geared towards preparing the nation and people towards facing economic challenges. Continuous politicking and game of thrones are a betrayal of people’s trust and the choice made in GE14.

“As many would say 'it is the economy, stupid',” he added.

Pakatan Harapan has been drowning in internal politicking and feuds, especially with regard to the transition of power between Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad and PKR president Anwar Ibrahim.

Last week, Anwar, after meeting Mahathir, said the succession plan would be finalised at Harapan's presidential council meeting this Friday. The council has not met since last November.

The PKR leader also confirmed that there is a “cunning plot” to keep Mahathir in power but cleared the latter of any involvement.

The next day, Mahathir reiterated that he would step down after the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) summit, which is scheduled to take place in Kuala Lumpur in November.

Previously, Sarawak Report alleged that MPs “have been pressured to fly in from all corners to Kuala Lumpur ” to ink a statutory declaration (SD) in support of Mahathir serving until the end of his term.

Apart from Umno, PAS and Bersatu lawmakers, the article claimed that PKR MPs aligned to Anwar's estranged deputy Azmin Ali had also inked the document.

Yesterday, Azmin, who is also economic affairs minister, urged all quarters to stop politicking in order to support Mahathir in rebuilding the economy in the face of the Covid-19 outbreak.

Azmin also sidestepped a question on the claim that he was acting as the conduit between PAS and Mahathir. 

Malaysia recorded a gross domestic product growth of 3.6 percent in the fourth quarter of last year, the lowest in a decade.