Calling it another example of “divisive politics”, the former Wanita Umno chief said people had already been divided along racial and religious lines, Malaysiakini reported.

“I am never for the idea. Let’s not be divisive in our politicking. Whether you are Malay, Indian or Chinese. Christian, Buddhist, Muslim or Hindu, you know how we are split.

“Now you want to split between old and young? Don’t we have divisiveness already in this country? Is nobody talking about how we are all Malaysians?” she was quoted as saying on the sidelines of a forum on anti-corruption in Putrajaya today.

Rafidah’s response followed her comments in her speech at the forum, where she lamented the lack of leadership quality in some politicians who were eager to become leaders, without mentioning any names.

It is believed she was referring to the former PPBM Youth chief, as she spoke about “a youth party” that wanted to take over the country’s politics.

“As if age is important. I’m sorry, this is where we go wrong (when a leader) must be young instead of having leadership skills,” the news portal quoted her as saying.

The former minister also recalled her journey in politics, starting at the age of 22, and how she became the country’s youngest senator at age 30.

She credited her achievements to what she had learned from experienced politicians.

“I was learning from these old people. The supreme council members, they were my father’s batch,” she told reporters.

She also questioned the credentials of those who might have a long list of degrees but lacked the “brain and experience”.

“Experience is more important. I can talk like this because I acquired the experience from the people who built this country,” she said.

Rafidah’s comments come on the same day that former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad also dismissed Syed Saddiq’s chances of success in a general election with his new party, saying it was insufficient to only bank on the support of young voters.