No charges, I'll sue govt, says Rafizi over MACC probe
Former economy minister Rafizi Ramli has expressed his determination to sue the government if the MACC’s probe into his alleged misconduct does not result in court charges.
Claiming that his move to press legal action against the government in such an instance would be to ensure others do not fall victim to similar situations, Rafizi slammed the anti-graft agency for allowing itself to be used as a “weapon”.
“If they (MACC) keep quiet for months after this, if I am not arrested or charged, I will sue the government…for abusing (their power) and fabricating something purely for character assassination because of MACC.
“Authorities like MACC cannot simply be used as a weapon to attack anyone disliked by politicians, the MACC, or internal government politics,” Rafizi said last night on his “Yang Berhenti Menteri” podcast.
He also voiced his belief that MACC’s case against him will not end up in court as the commission’s probe is “only to create a perception” while a court trial would be “a huge embarrassment".
The former PKR deputy president was referring to the graft buster’s probe into allegations that he had rushed through an RM1.1 billion government deal with British semiconductor giant, Arm Holdings.
It was previously reported that the investigation follows complaints from several NGOs alleging that the agreement was hastily arranged and biased, and could have financial implications for the government.
Rafizi, however, had characterised the probe as a form of intimidation linked with his demand for the suspension of MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki.
The call, similarly voiced by several other quarters, came after Azam was implicated in a shareholding scandal, as well as allegations that MACC officers had colluded with private individuals to strong-arm business rivals and stage corporate takeovers.
PN also suffered previously
Meanwhile, Rafizi also likened his situation to that of previous accusations hurled at Perikatan Nasional, whose funds were alleged to have been sourced from gambling proceeds.
“Earlier, we were embarrassed (when) Anwar gave a speech saying there was evidence that PN received gambling money.
“I don’t know who told him (such information), he never asked us either, we thought there was evidence.
“Then a week became a month, which became a year - it just went quiet. Accusing someone of taking gambling money is actually a big matter. So, there have been many accusations made (in the past) with no evidence,” he said.
Following the outcome of the 15th general election, which saw Anwar become prime minister, the PKR president implied that PN’s election funds partly came from gaming companies involved in special draws.
On the heels of backlash from opposition leaders, Anwar doubled down on his claim, insisting that he “does not speak without evidence”.
Lawsuit against Caprice
On a related matter, Rafizi affirmed that he will be proceeding with a defamation suit against local influencer and rapper Ariz Ramli, better known as Caprice, after the latter commented on the MACC’s second probe against the politician.
The allegation involves a large solar energy project by UEM Lestra, where Rafizi is accused of steering a contract worth RM2.5 billion toward a company with ties to him.
Prior to the podcast episode last night, Caprice had sent a letter of demand and offered flowers to Rafizi, seeking a public apology from the latter as well as the removal of the Pandan MP’s postings related to the artiste.
Caprice also argued that he had not mentioned the RM2.5 billion figure or used the word "corruption" in a video uploaded on his social media account.
