Former minister Rafidah Aziz has warned that a mosquito bite can prove to be fatal at times.

“This is in response to someone referring to Bersatu as a mosquito. One right species of mosquito can kill,” she told Malaysiakini, without mentioning names.

However, it was obvious that the remark was intended for Tourism and Culture Minister Nazri Abdul Aziz.

Yesterday, the minister dismissed the Registrar of Societies' (ROS) move to slap Bersatu with a provisional dissolution order.

Nazri claimed that Bersatu's status did not affect BN and likened Bersatu to “mosquito bites” on the ruling party.

“How do you feel about a mosquito bite? You just scratch it and you still enjoy it, it's nice to scratch," he had said.

Rafidah went on to quote the words of the Dalai Lama, who said: “If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito.”

She also cautioned politicians not to be arrogant.

To emphasise her point, the former minister shared another quote, which reads: “Never be too proud, never be too bossy. Remember that you live in a planet with gravity. What goes up, must come down.”

Yesterday, ROS chief registrar Surayati Ibrahim announced that Bersatu had failed to submit thorough information and documents that were requested through a notice issued under Section 14 (2) of the Societies Act 1966.

“Therefore, as the chief registrar, I have taken the initiative under Section 14(5) of the Act to impose a provisional dissolution upon Bersatu,” Surayati said.

In an immediate response, Rafidah had described the move as despicable and asked Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak if he was so afraid of Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who co-founded Bersatu, that he must resort to such tactics.

She also urged the prime minister, who often describes himself as a “Bugis warrior”, to cross swords with his adversaries in a more honourable manner.

The ROS has denied acting in cahoots with the government.