Rafidah: I am in EAC because I am a Malaysian

KUALA LUMPUR: Outspoken former minister Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz (pic) has hit out at those who have questioned her appointment to the Economic Action Council (EAC).

"Is it wrong to bring me into the EAC? I am grateful as I can contribute to my country. Just because we are old, we should be chucked aside?" she said.

Rafidah added that just because she was a former Umno member and from the previous Barisan Nasional government, it does not mean that she cannot serve her country.

"Party affiliation is very short-lived. It is not like you bring the party card to your grave. I don't belong to any party. I am Malaysian.

"Am I less loyal to this country because I am not a member of any party? I was appointed because I am a Malaysian.

"Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad knows I am not a member of his party," she said.

The Prime Minister's Office set up the EAC on Feb 11, with the premier as the chair.

The 16-strong council, which includes former ministers, top economists and financial advisors, will scrutinise and make decisions regarding economic and financial affairs, as well as the welfare of the people.

When asked if she would join Dr Mahathir's Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia, Rafidah quipped, "I forgot to take the form to Bersatu.

"Signing the form is the least of my problems. I told Dr Mahathir I will get my own form, but when somebody said it is online, I said forget it lah," she told the media after a cheque presentation to underprivileged families with children with cancer organised by the National Cancer Society of Malaysia (NCSM).

Rafidah is the honorary patron of NCSM.