Umno veteran Rafidah Aziz has reminded Umno leaders about the tale of the 'Emperor With No Clothes' after they criticised her for voicing out the shortcomings of Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's government.

"Since when should a different viewpoint and asking questions be regarded as anti-establishment?

"Only real friends stick their necks out to tell things as they are. One can have many 'friends' who just say what a person wants and prefer to hear and then suffer the consequences.

"Remember the story of the 'Emperor with No Clothes'?" Rafidah said in a statement on Facebook this morning.

In the famous tale, an emperor is promised a new suit that is invisible to people who are unfit or stupid, prompting people to pretend that they could see the suit until a child pointed out that the monarch was in fact naked.

Constructive criticism, the former Umno Wanita chief said, given in good faith and motivated by love for the country, should be accepted.

"And never say that in the past things were done and just condoned.

"That's not true. I have never allowed myself to just be a 'yes person' to anyone. It's on record," she said.

Rafidah slammed those who accused her of being anti-government or against her own party, which she had served for half a century, pointing out that many of today’s young leaders in Umno were still in "kindergarten" at that time.

'No interest in active politics'

"No, I have no interest whatsoever in going back into active politics or government or to intrude into public governance unnecessarily.

"But it does not mean I, as a private citizen, cannot and should not voice my opinion, especially when there are issues of public concern," she said.

Current Umno Wanita chief Shahrizat Abdul Jalil ( photo ) has criticised Rafidah for her critical views, claiming that Rafidah had also demanded similar compliance and loyalty during her time.

Rafidah took issue with the government's "flip-flop" over plans to bring in migrant workers from Bangladesh.

"It is because I, like so many people, am confused and unable to understand what really is happening because decisions change in a short time.

"Anyway, I don't think we need any more explanations except a very clear statement as to what the policy is now.

"I earnestly hope that individuals in government do not give opinions and explanations that are off tangent with, or contradict what the government wants to do," she said.

Last Friday, Putrajaya froze the intake of foreign workers, just one day after it inked a controversial deal to bring in migrant workers from Bangladesh.