Rafizi announces lawsuit against HR Minister Ramanan over defamation claims

In a public statement, Rafizi declared his intention to pursue legal action against Human Resources Minister Ramanan, claiming the minister’s recent press-conference comments violated Malaysian defamation law. Rafizi’s lawyers have been given the full video and transcript, and they believe the allegations—ranging from corruption involvement to alleged bribe receipts—are defamatory. Ramanan, speaking at a ministry staff gathering, said he would not sue Rafizi and suggested the latter file a formal police report if he possessed credible evidence, warning that a lawsuit would burden taxpayers.

He also dismissed Rafizi as a “serial liar” and referenced other accusations linking Rafizi to a RM500,000 bribe and an MACC probe into an Arm Holdings deal. The clash stems from a claim Rafizi raised in the Dewan Rakyat, which Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim rejected without naming the MP involved. Ramanan had previously denied being the unnamed PKR MP in question.