PETALING JAYA: A former international trade and industry minister is questioning the appointment of Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz to the cabinet.
In a Facebook post, Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz said: "Yes, some say... One is presumed Innocent... Until proven guilty... but, if the person is finally found guilty... then... you have to get a replacement DPM! (deputy prime minister).
"Why be 'pressured' to appoint now? There is already one DPM in place."
She was referring to the fact that Zahid is in the middle of court proceedings over alleged criminal breach of trust.
Zahid was yesterday appointed deputy prime minister, and Tengku Zafrul international trade and industry minister.
Tengku Zafrul was defeated in the contest for the Kuala Selangor parliamentary seat in the 15th General Election.
Rafidah said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim looked like he was scraping the bottom of the barrel by appointing someone rejected by voters.
"There is that 'optics' of 'scraping the barrel'... When you appointed someone... who lost in the PRU (election)... rejected by the voters ... and now... reappointing the person as a senator...in order to make him a minister.
"Where is the credibility... When losers are taken on board? There are others, perhaps more suitable, for you to appoint.
"... Cemar Susu Sebelanga... Kerana Dua Sudu Nila," she wrote.
But it was not all criticism from Rafidah.
"It must have taken a lot from you... stress, pressure, the need to do that important 'balancing act'... and to come up with a generally acceptable and credible cabinet."
There is a good balance between the older and tested individuals, and the younger generation with potential, as well as between experience, and potential to learn and lead, she said.