Saturday, February 18, 2006

Mak Cik 'nah-nah-nah'-ed by PM

In my earlier posting Fat Lady's "nah-nah-nah-nah-nah!", International Trade and Industry Minister (Miti) Rafidah Aziz said in no uncertain terms that she’s still in charge of the APs [approve permits for importing vehicles].

She dispelled any hopeful belief by the opposition or interested members of the public that the committee set up in the PM’s Department, chaired by DPM Najib Razak, has the authority that would be hers alone. She said that when there were non-routine problems the committee could be involved.

She smirked (?): “The committee, of which I am also a member, will handle problems like vehicles being stuck at ports. This is the kind of matters that the committee will deal with, things that are related to the Customs Department and which have nothing to do with the ministry. It [the committee] does only that. Administrative matters concerning APs are still under Miti.”

But today, PM Ahmad Badawi gave Rafidah a slight slap on her wrist and disabused her of any notions of her former unfettered powers over the AP. The PM declared that, yes Rafidah has been right in describing the committee would be responsible for resolving any problems arising from the implementation of policies related to APs, BUT it is also the body fully responsible for policies on and management relating to APs. And the DPM, not Mak Cik, is in charge!

He then humiliated Rafidah by adding: “The Ministry of International Trade and Industry plays the secretariat role in the implementation of any policy or decision made by the committee.”

Well, Mak Cik, here’s "nah-nah-nah-nah-nah!" to you too! Ala, Secretariat saja.

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