Rafizi issues open challenge to 'burn' him

Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli has issued an open challenge for critics to face him on a podcast and "burn" him.

This is after a previous challenge to a pro-Perikatan Nasional influencer was not accepted.

The influencer, who goes by the moniker YB Viral, had rejected Rafizi's invitation to appear on the podcast arguing that the original debate challenge had been watered down to a "question-and-answer" session.

Addressing this on social media today, Rafizi rubbished the attempt to distinguish between a debate and a question-and-answer session.

"Everyone knows a podcast is just a platform. A debate can take place on any platform, in a hall, TV, radio or an internet podcast.

"A debate means to showdown - not screaming insults at a mirror," he said.

‘Prove me wrong’

Previously, Rafizi said the invitation to YB Viral was an opportunity for both sides to share their views and present facts to the public.

He also pitched it as an opportunity for the influencer to prove that he was the "stupidest minister".

In his post today, the minister said the excuses YB Viral gave to avoid appearing on his podcast helped prove his intentions to expose pro-opposition social media personalities for who they really are.

"Before being pinched, they like to question everything. If it was based on facts and real perspectives, I can accept that.

"But their questioning is based on insults, shouting, and emotions - because they don't understand economic issues.

"When they are pinched, they go helter-skelter, and expose their true characters as those who would throw stones and then hide their hands," Rafizi added.

With YB Viral seemingly out of the equation, Rafizi said he is now opening up opportunities to anyone who wants to face him - be it an academic, a government supporter or a regular citizen.

However, the PKR deputy president said his main target remained pro-opposition online activists who make factless arguments.

"I will find them, invite and allow them an opportunity to face me.

"They will have an opportunity to ‘burn me’, and I will have an opportunity to ‘burn them’," he said, adding it was better than throwing insults online.

The first episode of the podcast, titled "Yang Bakar Menteri" (The Minister Roaster) is slated for Jan 8.

Rafizi said he chose a podcast as this would not require public funds compared to a television broadcast. - Mkini