PM instructs probe into attack on Rafizi's son, politicians in solidarity

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has extended prayers for Pandan MP Rafizi Ramli and his family following this afternoon's attack on the former minister's 12-year-old son.

In an immediate reaction, Anwar said he has instructed Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail to ensure a swift and transparent probe into the incident at the car park of a shopping mall in Putrajaya.

"We have yet to recover from the scourge of bullying in schools, and now another deeply regrettable act has emerged - a malicious and deceitful attempt targeting Rafizi's son," said Anwar in a Facebook post.

"Praying for the best for Rafizi and his family," added the PKR president.

On behalf of PKR, party secretary-general Fuziah Salleh also condemned the attack.

"I am shocked, saddened, and strongly condemn the attack on the child of Pandan MP and former economy minister, Rafizi, in Putrajaya this afternoon.

"I pray for the child’s full recovery and for the family to remain steadfast in facing this ordeal.

"Children must never be made victims under any circumstances. Such acts are cruel, inhumane, and must be condemned in the strongest terms by all parties.

"PKR urges the authorities to take swift and firm action by bringing the perpetrators to justice, and to ensure the safety and protection of all citizens, especially children," said Fuziah.

In confirming the incident, Rafizi earlier told Malaysiakini his son is undergoing checks and remains under observation.

In a statement later, Rafizi said the attack was carried out by two individuals dressed in black and wearing full-face helmets.

His son was dragged out and stabbed with a syringe as his wife and the boy were entering their car.

Thorough probe, please

PKR Women’s communications chief Norhayati Umor said the assault not only endangered the life of a child but also constitutes an extreme form of intimidation.

"We urge the police to conduct a thorough investigation, bring the perpetrators to justice, and reveal the true motive behind this attack, while ensuring such incidents never happen again.

"We also remind all parties that political differences can never justify threats, violence, or crime.

"Mature politics must be based on arguments and facts, not physical assaults or intimidation," she said in a statement.

In echoing calls for action against the perpetrator, Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh said, "No one, least of all a child, should ever become a victim of violence.

"Such acts have no place in a peaceful country like Malaysia, which upholds the rule of law and has effective enforcement.

"I hope the authorities will conduct an immediate investigation and ensure public safety remains protected," she said in a Facebook post.

Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek also issued a statement, calling for immediate investigations.

"An immediate investigation must be conducted to ensure those responsible are brought before the courts.

"I pray that his child will be granted a swift recovery and that Rafizi and his family will always be under Allah's protection," said the PKR Women chief.

Cowardly and despicable

Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Salleh also condemned the act as cowardly and despicable.

"If you are dissatisfied, confront the individual directly, not by victimising their family!

"I urge the Home Ministry to provide full protection to YB Rafizi and his entire family.

"Only the most despicable of people would resort to such tactics!" he stressed.

PAS' Pasir Mas MP Ahmad Fadhli Shaari, meanwhile, expressed hope that the incident had no political motivation.

"However, if the opposite proves true, it means politics in this country has reached a dangerous level, which is very concerning for the nation.

We all have families, and families must never become targets due to political differences. May Rafizi be granted ease in dealing with this matter," he said on Facebook.

Since stepping down from his cabinet position, Rafizi has been outspoken on numerous matters, often criticising the administration’s handling of certain issues.

The police are expected to issue a statement on the incident soon.

Malaysiakini wants to hear from you

An attempt to silence me, Rafizi says after attack on son

Speaker to summon home minister for details of assault on Rafizi's son

Rafizi's son stabbed with syringe in mall car park attack

Bangkok fire attack: M'sian embassy assures support for injured duo

Two M'sian tourists set on fire in shocking Bangkok attack