KUALA LUMPUR – Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Mohd Puad Zarkashi has confirmed his appearance on a coming episode of the Yang Bakar Menteri podcast, hosted by Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli.
Puad has said although he is a critic of the current administration, his participation in the podcast would portray him as a supporter of Perikatan Nasional (PN), as he has been vocal about the opposition as well, especially its chairman, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
“Thank you, YB Rafizi, for inviting me to attend the Yang Bakar Menteri podcast. God willing, I will be present. I am not here as a PN supporter. I am a staunch critic of PN. For me, Muhyiddin is a failed PM,” he said in a Facebook post today.
Puad mentioned that he agreed to attend to seek further clarification on Rafizi’s “formula” for restoring the country’s economy.
“I appreciate the burning questions posed by YB (Rafizi) that challenge the ministers. I seek assurance that the Unity Government I support ‘Walks The Talk,’ in being efficient and effective, not passive,” he added.
Puad clarified that debating with Rafizi was not a new occurrence, as they had previously engaged in a debate in 2016, organised by a pro-PKR non-governmental organisation.
“All the pro-Pakatan Harapan panellists were present, including (current health minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad), Rafizi, and (political analyst Prof Datuk Mohamad Abu Bakar). The moderator was Maszlee (Malik),” he recalled.
Additionally, Puad expressed his well wishes for Rafizi’s speedy recovery after undergoing spinal surgery.
“I pray for YB’s quick recovery and a prompt return to duty. Amen. Rest first, YB,” he said.
Earlier today, Rafizi announced that he had undergone spinal surgery and would be receiving hospital treatment for two more weeks before returning to duty next month.
In his health update on Twitter, Rafizi shared that he was diagnosed with stenosis, a condition involving pressure from a slipped disc and spinal ligaments, leading to a long-term compression of the nerve space.
Rafizi also said he planned to resume the Yang Bakar Menteri podcast series next month and was open to a face-to-face meeting with former Umno Supreme Council Members Isham Jalil and Puad, who had volunteered to meet him.
“However, following organisational protocol, I must seek feedback from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi first.
“I respect their views to maintain the integrity of the Madani government,” he said. – February 19, 2024