Challenging MACC to proceed if it wishes.
Rafizi Ramli said he has been tipped off by sources within the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) that the agency may carry out a raid against him today over allegations linked to an RM1.11 billion investment approved during his time as a minister.
The Pandan MP said he is prepared for the possibility, stressing that intimidation tactics are nothing new to him, and issued a direct message to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki.
“I want to tell Anwar and Azam – I am a veteran when it comes to being arrested, raided, or put in lockup, I’m ready to go through it all again if he dares to try,” he told a press conference.
On a lighter note, Rafizi said he had asked his wife to tidy up their home in anticipation of a possible raid.
“I have also made sure that all my underwear is in order. You haven’t been locked up, so you wouldn’t understand,” he added.
Asked whether MACC had contacted him, the former economy minister said there had been no communication, but joked: “You have to take my answer with a pinch of salt because I don’t pick up the phone.
“I don’t have WhatsApp, I don’t answer calls, so I’m probably one of the hardest people to reach in Malaysia.”
Explaining how he learned of the possible raid, Rafizi said he had been warned by acquaintances within enforcement agencies.
“I don’t know when or how, but I was informed. We all have friends… We all have friends everywhere. Even in MACC and the police, there are people who sympathise. So I was informed to be ready.”
Rafizi said he has no issue with being detained again, but cautioned that any attempt to implicate him over Malaysia’s agreement with UK-based chip designer Arm Holdings would backfire.
“Because it’s sure to become news worldwide. The last time they did that was during the 1MDB era. It became international news. Now, even more so, because the allegation is related to Malaysia’s government agreements with international companies,” he said.
He stressed that the Arm Holdings matter was approved by the cabinet and that the funds were under the Investment, Trade, and Industry Ministry, not the Economy Ministry which he previously led, describing any attempt to link him to wrongdoing as a “thoughtless move”.
“Maybe it is just to intimidate me, or perhaps it’s a perception war to give ammunition to critics to say, ‘look, Rafizi is corrupt,” he added.
Rafizi also recalled past attempts to pressure him.
“I would like to put on record that I have been approached before with intimidation – people saying, ‘We have a case against you. If this goes out, it won’t look good for you publicly.’
“So I asked them, ‘What case?’ They said, ‘Someone bribed you?’ I said, ‘How? I didn’t even receive any money. How could I be bribed?’ Then they showed some kind of proof. The proof was an invoice for paying a bribe, issued to me.
“So I asked, ‘Who in the world issues an invoice for a bribe?’”
Challenging MACC to proceed if it wishes, Rafizi said he has nothing to hide.
“Search everything. I’m sure my bank account is already being monitored all the time, and they will see that most of the transactions are just my kid ordering GrabFood – that’s the bulk of it.
“So, if there really is a case and I am involved in corruption, I mean, let me ask the public: If I had something to hide and wanted to keep it secret, why would I resign (as minister)? It would be in my best interest to stay in government and bow to Anwar forever,” he said.
He added that Malaysia has long seen failed attempts to intimidate political rivals through fabricated cases.
“In the end, the truth will always come out, and the people will pass judgment.
“So if it means we have to go through it again, based on my experience with 1MDB, Felda, and Tabung Haji, I can tell you – being locked up for two or three days, handcuffed and all, is worth it.
“It’s worth it for matters as important as these for the people, because we are MPs… Yes, it’s inconvenient – accounts frozen, this and that. But at least we have recourse. We can defend ourselves.
“But if it happens to ordinary people who haven’t harmed anyone, and suddenly someone wants to take their property, no one will listen. You will just be crushed and forgotten. That’s why, if we have to go through it again, I think it’s worth it. So if you dare, go ahead and try,” he added.
Earlier, Malaysiakini reported that a coalition of NGOs had lodged a report with MACC, alleging possible misappropriation involving an RM1.1 billion investment during Rafizi’s ministerial tenure.
MACC deputy chief commissioner (operations) Ahmad Khusairi Yahaya said the commission would review the full report to determine whether there are elements of corruption, misappropriation, or abuse of power under the MACC Act 2009.
He said follow-up actions, including the examination of documents and evidence, would be carried out before any further investigation, in line with the commission’s commitment to integrity and transparency.
A report by Bernama yesterday quoted a source as saying the complainants suspect the former senior minister and ministry officials were involved in the matter.
“Furthermore, it is alleged that there are doubts regarding the negotiation and approval processes, which reportedly did not fully involve the relevant ministries and agencies, such as the Finance Ministry and the Investment, Trade, and Industry Ministry,” the source said.
The complainants also raised several issues that could potentially give rise to a perception of a conflict of interest.