Rafidah Aziz Loses Job

Today we bid Rafidah Aziz farewell as she vacates her ministry and makes way for Muhyiddin Yassin.

Yes, she’s been embroiled in controversy in the past few years, most notably the Approved Permit corruption scandal, engaging former mentor and boss Dr Mahathir Mohamed in a highly-public feud. But Rafidah was one minister who knew her job well and never slept on the job. Malaysians owe her much for her skilful handling of our foreign trade relations.

Rafidah was the country’s longest serving trade minister – 21 years. An outspoken and feisty woman who brooks no nonsense from staff, pressmen, opponents and colleagues alike, she will be sorely missed in Parliament House.


Rafidah’s biodata:

Born: Nov 4, 1943
Place of birth: Selama, Perak

Husband: Datuk Mohd Basir Ahmad;
Daughters: Rohaiza, Rohaila;
Son: Alfian;
Son-in-law: Fazrin Azwar;
Granddaughter: Raihanna Azwar

Education:
SM Kampong Baru, Kuala Lumpur (1948 to 1950)
SM Convent Bukit Nanas, Kuala Lumpur (1951 to 1953 and 1956 to 1958)
Zainab School, Kota Baru, Kelantan (1953 to 1955)
Convent, Johor Baru (1959 to 1960)
Victoria Institution (1961 to 1962)
Universiti Malaya (BA in Economics in 1966 and Masters in Economics in 1970)

Career: In 1974, Rafidah was appointed Senator and, in 1976, Parliamentary Secretary to the Public Enterprises Minister; between 1977 and 1980 she was Deputy Minister of Finance. She was elected a Member of Parliament in 1978. Rafidah was Public Enterprises Minister from 1980 to 1987; since 1987 she has been serving as International Trade and Industry Minister.