Remarks on Cabinet appointments unwarranted

I REFER to the report, “After backlash, Wong comes to Rafizi’s defence” ( The Star, May 13). I am absolutely horrified at Rafizi Ramli’s criticism of Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s initial appointments and at PKR vice-president Wong Chen coming to his defence. Malaysia is still enjoying the euphoria of an amazing victory and our prime minister had already explained the need to fill these key positions immediately.

Wong stated that it was perplexing that PKR had not been offered any Cabinet positions yet, although it is the single largest party in Pakatan Harapan. Has not the post of deputy prime minister been offered to PKR president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, who herself preferred this over the position of prime minister which was offered to her?

The rakyat are pleased with the initial appointments, including the appointment of highly respected, intelligent and prominent Malaysians to the Council of Elders. Others eyeing prominent positions should be patient as a lot of work needs to be done to ensure a smooth transition of power.

Rafizi is wrong to state that the PM “bulldozed those appointments through without PKR’s consent.” Surely, the president of PKR would have not agreed if that was true.

It was reported that, “According to Wong, Rafizi did not want to see the Pakatan-led government by Dr Mahathir start on the wrong footing.” But it is Rafizi and Wong who are starting on the wrong footing. If they had any grievances, they should have brought up the matter to the prime minister and his deputy privately instead of rushing to go public. They made a very bad move, poor judgement and at the wrong time.

Kudos to Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan for the reprimand, “Please, stop your nonsense.” DR PETER J. PEREIRA Subang Indah