PKR leader Rafizi Ramli is getting schooled by social media users on what, and what not, to air in public, after he accused Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad of bulldozing through the appointments of three ministers.

To many Malaysians, it is common sense to handle the matter internally, and not issue statements on social media that could sow discord and hurt the Pakatan Harapan government, which is still in its infancy.

Vigneswaran (@V1gn3s) asked why the PKR vice-president did not raise the issue behind closed doors, given that PKR has direct access to Dr Mahathir.

“Why must you go public and undermine the public’s confidence in PH?” he tweeted in a reply to Rafizi’s post stating that negotiations on cabinet positions are ongoing.

“Nothing has started, but things like this have begun. Come on, it has been just a few days since you won,” said Ir MFMS (@mdfdmdsd).

K Hafizi (@KHafiziAhmd) tweeted to the former Pandan MP: “Mr Rafizi… even though it is still under discussion, please don’t make any statements like this… Malaysians just made their decision 4 days ago.”

Brenda (@candlekhoo) said if the appointments have yet to be finalised, the matter should be kept within the PH pact.

“...this only shows that you all are not united. How will the people see you? The government was formed just a few days ago! Please think twice before you say anything!”

Earlier today, Dr Mahathir announced that Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin will be home minister, DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng (finance minister) and Amanah president Mohamad Sabu (defence minister).

Rafizi, in a statement issued in response to queries on why PKR had no representatives at the press conference where the cabinet picks were announced, said the party is of the view that discussions are ongoing and cabinet appointments need the consent of all four members of PH.

Some Twitter users took Rafizi’s remarks as PKR being unhappy that none of its representatives was named among the three appointments.

Syafiq Zaharin (@syafqz) questioned if PKR is after the posts, including that of finance minister.

“Whatever it is, Rafizi shouldn’t be issuing a press statement like this. Rafizi, why are you so childish?”

Cheryl Fernando (@cherylfernando) said it should not matter which PH component a minister is from, so long as they can deliver.

“Come on, Rafizi!! Don’t let us down… You should know better than this.”

Some Twitter users said they believe Dr Mahathir, who is serving his second term as prime minister after being in office from 1981 to 2003, knows what he is doing, and Rafizi’s statement is disrespectful towards the seasoned leader.

“Enough, Rafizi. PKR is disrespecting the PM. Tun (Dr Mahathir) has the right to announce his cabinet, especially for key ministries. Don’t tell me PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim wants to control the prime minister?” said blueocean (@ayg16).

Samuel Khoo (@KoolSammm), addressing Rafizi, said: “That’s not cool! Get your act together! We kicked out Barisan Nasional, we can kick you guys out, too!”

The Twitter user added: “You didn’t see anything wrong when the PM made the announcement, but you issued a statement later that the announcement is not final? PLEASE, he is undermining the authority of the PM!”

Justice4All (@naufan2018) said: “Tun M (Dr Mahathir) knows what he is doing. No need to question our beloved PM. Anyway, he is experienced.”

“Respect the prime minister. You are all the government now, not the opposition. Don’t make the people lose their confidence (in you),” said EmahTimah (@emahtimah).

Earlier today, prominent lawyer and activist Ambiga Sreenevasan slammed Rafizi, tweeting: “PKR, please stop your nonsense.”

She said she fully supports the three appointments, and reminded everyone to put the country above all else, as what Malaysians did by voting PH into power. – May 12, 2018.