'I can be accused of shooting myself in the foot if I had been afraid of speaking up' – Puad

JOHOR BAHRU - Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi has denied that his action of reprimanding Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) deputy president Rafizi Ramli on Thursday is equivalent to 'shooting himself in the foot'.

The Rengit assemblyman, who defended his previous statement, said his action was done with good intentions and by being realistic.

"I am accused of shooting myself in the foot. Is asking Rafizi to present a realistic and remarkable formula considered as shooting oneself in the foot?

"Is insisting the minister to perform excellently considered as shooting oneself in the foot? What's wrong with reprimanding Rafizi? If he is exceptional then the Unity Government would be stronger," he said on a Facebook post today.

Puad on Thursday had criticised the Economy Minister for failing to present any significant measures to restore the economy besides mocking him for coming up with too many formulas.

Puad said a minister should be extraordinary to defend the Unity Government today and when becoming a minister, they cannot be ordinary, only exceptional.

Commenting on the criticism, Rafizi reminded Umno leaders to avoid making comments that would only distance Pakatan Harapan (PH) supporters from the party.

On Friday, Umno secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajid Dusuki chided Puad's action of attacking a fellow government member and leader and described it as 'shooting oneself in the foot'.

Commenting further, Puad who is also Johor State Legislative Assembly Speaker questioned what 'shooting oneself in the foot' had meant.

"What is the meaning of 'shooting yourself in the foot'? We can't give criticism? Can't reprimand? Can't give opinion? My job is not to incite. I didn't even take over Rafizi's past work.

"Shooting oneself in the foot is when the minister does not perform well, fails to implement remarkable things and the formula can't be used. That weakens the government.

"I can be accused of shooting myself in the foot if I had been afraid of speaking up and letting the weakness persist. That's why I am different from others," he said.