MELAKA, May 4 — Umno veteran Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz today made her maiden appearance at a Pakatan Harapan (PH) campaign, showing up as an invited guest at a ceramah in Melaka tonight.

Former finance minister Tun Daim Zainuddin also made an appearance shortly after Rafidah, his third appearance on the PH campaign trail.

The 74-year-old Rafidah, a former minister and former Wanita Umno chief, was given a rousing reception by those who attended the talk at Bukit Katil here today.

The talk was attended by former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and PKR president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.

Dr Wan Azizah proceeded to celebrate Rafidah’s appearance by using her trademark handheld fan to cool down the latter by the side of the stage.

Rafidah told thousands of supporters here that she opted to openly pledge support for PH as she believes the country is heading in the wrong direction.

"A lot of people asked me, why can’t I be quiet, I have retired. But I am a very patient person, I have been watching for a long time to see how the government is doing,” she said.

Daim, 80, did not give a speech but stayed on with other PH leaders until the end of the event.

He first made a surprise appearance during a PKR rally in Selangor few days ago and subsequently, travelled to Pendang, Kedah to back Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM)’s candidate there, Wan Saiful Wan Jan.

Both Rafidah and Daim served in the Cabinet of Dr Mahathir, who is leading PH heading into the election on May 9.