MALAYSIANS have had to face not only the Covid-19 pandemic, which emerged in 2019, but also the endless political crises.

Political issues keep cropping up one by one, and the quest for power seems endless among our politicians.

Bersatu and Umno have been at each other’s throats for the longest time, and the ones repeatedly on the losing end, are us, the voters.

Now, once again, despite the ongoing pandemic, we will have to go out and vote in the upcoming Johor polls.

It is high time politicians get their priorities right and not go on a witch-hunt whenever they feel like it.

Voters also cannot understand why certain ministers who are slacking in their duties are retained, while others who are actively working for the country are targeted.

As the son of a third-generation oil palm farmer, I admit that we are enjoying the highest profits in recent years and the minister concerned, Zuraida Kamaruddin, has been doing her part in helping us.

Bersatu is making a hasty decision in sacking Zuraida as she is among the performing ministers in the current cabinet, and we do not see any reason for her to be replaced.

As a voter, I know that there are other Bersatu ministers who have failed in their duties, yet remain retained.

I am grateful for all that Zuraida has done for us as planters, and the way she stood up against foreign bodies for our oil palm is highly commendable.

She is also a prominent woman leader. With the call for greater women representation and Undi18 coming into play, Bersatu should be capitalising on Zuraida’s strengths and contributions.

However, at the end of the day, it is not up to the party, but the prerogative of the prime minister. Based on what Zuraida has done for the palm oil industry and other commodities, she is certainly a minister to be retained.

We hope the prime minister is not influenced by those who think only of their personal agendas.

We need a minister like Zuraida to continue to fight for greater palm oil exports, not someone who will succumb to the pressures of the West. – February 2, 2022.

* Abdul Razak Ahmad reads The Malaysian Insight.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.