Sue me first before threatening others, Rafizi tells Najib

PKR secretary-general Rafizi Ramli (centre) wants Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak to sue him first before attacking others. – The Malaysian Insider file pic, February 28, 2015.

PKR secretary-general Rafizi Ramli said Datuk Seri Najib Razak should sue him first before threatening to sue others, and failure to do so proved he was right in criticising the prime minister for removing fuel subsidies.

In a statement today, Rafizi said he was shocked that the prime minister was threatening to sue PAS organ Harakahdaily over a report alleging that his stepson Riza Aziz benefited from 1Malaysia Development Bhd in financing his film company.

Rafizi said he received a letter of demand from Najib and Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor's lawyer on December 4 demanding an explanation for his speech in which he criticised the removal of fuel subsidies when there was wastage in government.

Rafizi said he responded to the legal notice five days later, saying the issues he raised on petrol subsidies and government spending were of public interest.

He added that he was duty-bound to raise and explain such issues to Malaysians. 

Putrajaya removed subsidies for RON95 petrol and diesel on December 1 last year. Prices are now based on a managed float system. 

"But until today, I have not gotten a response from Najib.

"I am disappointed as I was truly looking forward to my legal team cross-examining Najib and Rosmah in the witness box," said Rafizi.

He said that Najib and Rosmah had yet to reply him and the public could safely assume that his criticism was right.

"So I urge Najib to sue me first before threatening to sue others.

"I also urge more people to come out and criticise Datuk Seri Najib, do not be afraid of his threat to sue because until today, he has not sued anyone, especially his chief critic, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad," he added.

- TMI