KUALA LUMPUR: A Perikatan Nasional MP has criticised Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli for taking leave amidst a global trade war.
Ahmad Fadhli Shaari (PN-Pasir Mas) called this an "unusual development."
"If possible, a senior minister should be sent for negotiations. We should call the Economy Minister back," he said while debating the US tariff issue in the Dewan Rakyat on Monday (May 5).
"It is illogical to approve the leave. We are on the brink of a war. (There could be) an economic war and we give the Economy Minister leave for a month. He holds a very important portfolio," he added.
Ahmad Fadhli said Malaysia would become a laughing stock due to this.
Rafizi's leave came just as many aligned with him lost in the recent PKR division polls.
On May 2, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the leave request was normal for an employee, dismissing rumours of Rafizi's resignation.
"Just a few days off, no issue at all. I also want to find a few days off," he told reporters after performing Friday prayers at Bandar Saujana Putra Mosque.
He said this when asked about allegations that Rafizi, who is also PKR deputy president, is on leave until May 31 because he was dissatisfied with the party's election campaign.
