Wan Fayhsal declined invitation to podcast, Rafizi reveals

 

Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli claims that several Perikatan Nasional leaders have declined his invitation to appear on his “Yang Bakar Menteri” podcast.

Apart from influencer YB Viral, the others who declined include Machang MP Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal, Pendang MP Awang Solahuddin Hashim, activists Hawa Yaakob, Sufi Kamari and one known as Solisidtor.

“Although my office has contacted many pro-PN leaders and activists that could potentially ‘burn’ me, they have all declined so far. 

“I won’t give up and will continue to contact more pro-PN leaders and activists to take up the challenge of ‘burning’ me directly. Don’t just criticise behind (my back) but refuse to give constructive views in front (of me),” he wrote on X today.

YB Viral previously 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.

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”.

Prioritising PN

Rafizi added that some PN leaders used the excuse of former Pakatan Harapan leaders volunteering to join the podcast as a reason to decline their invitations.

“The aim of the podcast is to prioritise PN supporters and leaders to meet with me face to face so that the public can determine for themselves the arguments put forth by the government and opposition.

“Harapan leaders, including former ones, have the opportunity to convey their views to me, either through government or party channels. Some have their own channels to convey to the people.

“I will stick to the main goal of the podcast, which is to give space to those who oppose or are critical of the government’s approach,” he said.

The Pandan MP said that due to the lack of participation by PN-linked individuals, his podcast invitations would include individuals who are generally critical of the government.

In tonight’s episode, Rafizi has invited academic Barjoyai Bardai, who has criticised the minister in the past.

In his first episode which aired on Jan 8, Rafizi hosted Nazri Hamdan, a social media influencer known for his TikTok content discussing current issues on economics and business.