Attack on Rafizi's son shows rise in political intimidation, NGO says

The attack on former minister Rafizi Ramli’s son represents an alarming escalation in political intimidation, said Projek Sama, adding irresponsible quarters are willing to cross every boundary - even attacking children.

“This is intolerable. We call upon all stakeholders, the prime minister, political leaders and parties, civil society, media, and Malaysians at large to stand firmly in solidarity with Rafizi and his family.

“Silence in the face of such brutality is complicity. Every citizen and institution concerned with our country’s democratic future must loudly and unequivocally denounce this atrocity,” it said in a statement today.

Two days ago, Rafizi’s son was attacked using a syringe by two men clad in black at the car park of a shopping mall in Putrajaya.

His son was dragged out and stabbed as the family were entering their car. The 12-year-old was admitted to UPM Hospital for observation.

Yesterday, the Pandan MP affirmed that the attack on his son was an act of intimidation linked to his duties as an MP, vowing that neither he nor his family will alter their course.

Rafizi (above) also alleged he continued receiving threatening messages following the assault.

Accompanied by PKR MPs in Parliament, he thanked the public for their support and well-wishes, noting that his family remains in good condition.

Violation of democratic norms

Projek Sama reminded all quarters that political rivalry must never devolve into hatred and violence, adding that it violates democratic norms and decency.

The assault, the NGO noted, revealed systemic vulnerabilities - owing to a perceived uneven political playing field, institutions that are biased or weak, and an inconsistent application of the rule of law.

“These failings, especially if unresolved, create a permissive environment for dangerous acts such as this.

“We must ask ourselves: when political critiques or dissent can provoke physical violence against one’s family, what hope remains for open, free, and fair political discourse?” Projek Sama asked.

With that, the group made several suggestions to the government:

1. To initiate a comprehensive and impartial investigation by the police, publicly monitored for accountability;

2. Embark on institutional reforms to strengthen independent law enforcement and judicial institutions, ensuring no one, including powerful political figures, can evade accountability for politically motivated violence;

3. Initiate practical safeguards to ensure that political engagement remains non-violent, honouring dissent without punishing those who speak out.

A wake-up call

Projek Sama also reminded the public that Malaysia’s democracy cannot survive if the people believe that violence is permitted when engaging in political rivalry.

“Let the attack on Rafizi’s son be a wake-up call. May it unite rather than divide us. May it catalyse reforms rather than breed fear.

“And let it reaffirm our collective commitment to a democracy where differences are resolved through ideas, not intimidation,” it stressed.

Following the attack, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said he instructed Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail to ensure a swift and transparent probe into the incident.

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