KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 13): Former economy minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli on Friday claimed the country’s anti-graft agency is preparing a raid on him.
Citing an unidentified “internal source” within the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), Rafizi said at a press conference that he is prepared against the “tactics of intimidation and fabrication of cases" used by previous administrations.
“Ultimately, the truth will prevail and the people will judge,” he said.
His remarks follow a report filed with the MACC by three Malay non-governmental organisations alleging misappropriation linked to a RM1.11 billion investment.
The investment involved an agreement signed last March between Malaysia and UK-based semiconductor and software design company ARM Holdings plc, under which the Malaysian government would pay ARM US$250 million (RM1.1 billion) over 10 years in exchange for its intellectual property licences and computer subsystems (CSS). These assets are intended to be made available to domestic companies in the electrical and electronics sector.
Rafizi was the economy minister at the time but resigned from the Cabinet two months later after losing the PKR deputy president race.
Since then, he has been a vocal government critic, including on the recent controversy involving MACC chief Tan Sri Azam Baki, who is alleged to have held shares in a company above the limit allowed for civil servants.
Following the NGOs’ report, the MACC said it would review the documents and evidence submitted before deciding on further investigations.
On Friday, Rafizi said he is prepared to face arrest, raids, or detention if authorities proceed, describing himself as a “veteran” in dealing with such measures.
“If I have to go in and be handcuffed, it is worth it for matters important to the rakyat,” he said.
He added that he has not yet been contacted by the MACC for a statement recording and urged the agency to “revisit the plan,” warning that current actions could backfire on the public.
Rafizi stressed that the ARM deal had been vetted by the Cabinet and that disbursement of funds falls under the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry.
“This is merely a perception war. What they are doing is to sully my reputation. If you have done nothing wrong, and it is the truth, Insya Allah, you will be safe,” he said.
Read also:
Govt sets up task force to probe anti-graft chief Azam Baki
Anwar urges space for Azam Baki probe, promises transparency
PKR MPs tell DAP, Amanah to push PM for MACC chief's suspension
Bloomberg News stands by articles on MACC's Azam Baki
Malaysia’s anti-graft chief Azam Baki says open to being investigated