PETALING JAYA: Minister of International Trade and Industry (Miti) Datuk Seri Rafidah Aziz has been directed by the cabinet to respond to accusations made against Miti and the government over the treatment of national car maker Proton.

Sources said the cabinet at its weekly meeting yesterday decided it was best for Rafidah, who was singled out for criticism by Proton adviser and former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to reply on behalf of the government via a private letter to Mahathir.

Rafidah, the sources said, had briefed and explained to the cabinet all the issues raised by Mahathir at his press conference on Tuesday as well as those made in a recent newspaper interview by Proton CEO Tengku Tan Sri Mahaleel Tengku Ariff.

It was learnt that several ministers had asked a number of questions about the issuance of Approved Permits (APs) for imported cars and why a small group of people get the bulk of them.

Sources said the cabinet wants the problem with the former PM to be sorted out away from public glare.

Yesterday, reporters waited several hours at Miti for Rafidah to finish her post-cabinet meeting with senior staff to get her reaction but got nothing. "I have got nothing to say," she said, as she left the ministry.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, when asked later about the cabinet's discussion, replied: "I will not answer any questions on this. You ask Rafidah."  

• Dr M: Rafidah misled Umno
• Proton's problems
• Dr. M: Mahaleel did a good job
• Mahaleel removed
• MPs join Proton debate
• I have a need to explain: Mahathir
• Mahathir defends Mahaleel