Rafidah Denies Shunning Dewan Rakyat Sitting - Bernama

From Nor Baizura Basri

VIENTIANE, Sept 28 (Bernama) -- International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Rafidah Aziz Wednesday denied that she had shirked her responsibility to the Dewan Rakyat, saying she was here working for the country.

She said it was unjust to conclude thus when she was abroad in the interest of the nation.

"I come here for work, as you can see I'm doing my work. I'm worried if they are not able to make any decision here. It could affect the Asean Summit in December and affect our image as a host," she told Bernama and Utusan Malaysia here.

Rafidah said it was most important to resolve all issues at the Asean Economic Ministers meeting here as Malaysia had to make preparations to host the 11th Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur in December.

She was asked to comment on a statement by Opposition Leader Lim Kit Siang who had pointed out her absence at the current sitting of the Dewan Rakyat to reply to questions on the issue of approved permit (AP) for import of vehicles.

Lim has been quoted as saying that Rafidah should be dropped from the Cabinet in view of the unresolved AP issue that had come up last May.

The issue came about after former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad queried the way the AP scheme had been implemented, saying among other things that it only benefited a handful of bumiputeras and some of those who received APs were not automotive businessmen.

[More at http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=157932]