FEBRUARY 5 — Four years ago, an elated Rafidah Aziz told the press she enjoyed her retirement very much.
She was then 68, leading a perfect retirement any 68-year-old should do. After that she vanished into obscurity.
She was 72 when she again emerged in the press limelight. However, she was less spirited this time, given the many negativities that had put the country to shame.
She remained strong-willed, true to her reputation as Malaysia's Iron Lady, when she made herself seen and heard again.
Fortunately, being out of public office, she could now see things from a broader perspective and her comments carrying more weight.
Today, she is still concerned about things big or small in the country, and has been straightforward in hitting out at government leaders for any irregularities.
She said she was deeply embarrassed by the fact that the RM2.6 billion political donation issue and government leaders' integrity became the focal points of the 16th international anti-corruption conference the country was hosting.
Her wrath was elevated to yet another level when AG Apandi abruptly declared the RM2.6 billion scandal and SRC International case closed.
As if that was not enough, she also targeted the Pahang state government for uncontrolled bauxite mining in the state that had given rise to irreparable environmental damages.
The current erratic education policy has also touched on her nerve, reminding her of the good times when English was accorded very important status during Tun Razak's six-year rule.
She foretold that the incompetent national system was the last straw that would break the camel's back.
Only a sharp-tongued woman like her had the gut to poke into the untouchable taboos of the Malay society, slamming the Malays for shameless overdependence on “privileges” and “special status” for survival.
She was worried about her fellow Malay compatriots who were unable to shed the burden of their bumi rights, and were not the least prepared to march forward decisively.
Her international scope of vision has made her a Malaysian first, and a Malay second.
She was harsh in her criticisms on the ruckus at Low Yat Plaza and the Sept 16 Red Shirts rally, dismissing them as tactics by politicians to manipulate racial emotions to divert Malaysians' attention from more relevant issues such as the grave scandals involving the government.
PM Najib's brother, CIMB group chairman Nazir Razak commended her as the conscience of the government, a role model for good governance and transparency.
At the age of 30, she was appointed a senator by Tun Razak, marking the start of her exciting political career. She later made her way to the Umno Supreme Council, and was first appointed a cabinet minister during Mahathir's time until she bowed out of politics after the 2008 general elections.
While the automotive industry AP issue might have somewhat dented her reputation, she nevertheless displayed a very high degree of self confidence and professionalism during her stint as a cabinet minister, a stature few in today's administration can challenge. — Sin Chew Daily
* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail Online.
