Stop intimidation over views on PKR polls - Rafizi

Summary

• Rafizi Ramli claims civil servants and the public are being intimidated for their views on PKR election.

• The former economy minister believes some are abusing power, despite no instructions from PM and minister.

• The Pandan MP is offering lawyers to represent those facing intimidation.

Former PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli has called on authorities to immediately halt the alleged intimidation of civil servants and the public over differing views on the recent party election.

Rafizi claimed he had received multiple complaints over the past week involving enforcement actions against individuals for sharing personal opinions on the polls - opinions that he stressed did not breach any laws.

“If differing opinions about the conduct and outcome of the PKR election are not aligned with the leadership of the federal government, this is a challenge that should be addressed with wisdom.

“Any form of pressure or intimidation will only reinforce public perception that the administration is quick to abuse power and does not defend the public’s right to hold dissenting views,” he said in a statement today.

Rafizi elaborated that he was informed some were told that their content breached the law, while others were approached by MCMC and police officers for a “meeting”.

The former economy minister also revealed a list of X users who he said had complained of alleged intimidation, along with a police report lodged by the wife of one of the concerned individuals.

“The content in question was merely his personal view on the PKR election,” he added.

No instructions from PM, minister

Rafizi believed Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil had not instructed enforcement agencies to act against these individuals.

“It is possible that certain individuals are acting behind the names of the ministers and giving instructions to the MCMC or police to pressure the public simply because their views on the PKR election are not in line with theirs.

“I have consulted with volunteer lawyers who are prepared to represent the public facing such intimidation.

“If there are any breaches of regulations or laws, they will be advised to take appropriate legal action,” he stressed.

Rafizi also reminded political leaders not to conflate political views with official government affairs and urged civil servants not to bow to pressure to engage in politically motivated actions.

In the latest PKR polls, Anwar retained his presidency uncontested, while Rafizi lost his post to Anwar’s daughter, Nurul Izzah, at the end of a heated campaign that also saw many leaders aligned with Rafizi lose their contests.

The Pandan MP and division chief eventually fulfilled his promise to resign as the economy minister, followed by Setiawangsa MP Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, who resigned as the natural resources and environmental sustainability minister after failing to defend his division chief and vice-president’s post.

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