AP issue: Rafidah U-turn?

While she strongly backed the Approved Permit System (AP) few weeks ago, International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Rafidah Aziz suddenly made a contradicting statement yesterday by saying that AP should be abolished.

To me, the entire AP system should be abolished. It goes against the World Trade Organisation agreement. This is my personal opinion although others may not agree with me.

These were the words she gave at the opening of a seminar organised by the Malaysian Associated Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry.

Respond from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi today:

That is her personal opinion. I don't take it into account."

The PM further added that the press should "accept" the decision of the Cabinet to take over from Rafidah's ministry the task of formulating the National Automotive Policy which would determine the way APs were awarded.

The policy is expected to be announced next month.

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Meanwhile, the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) has been reported to have carted away several boxes of files from the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) regarding the investigation of the AP issue. This was ACA’s 2nd visit to MITI.

Can Rafidah weather the storm and survive the AP controversy? She may have gone too far this time.

Let's wait and see whether the PM will utter Donald Trump's favourite line soon.