(Kuala Lumpur, 25th) Former Deputy President of the People's Justice Party, Dato’ Seri Rafizi Ramli, has expressed concern over the emergence of an “invisible hand” (tangan ghaib) within the corridors of government power.
He reminded Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar not to repeat the mistakes of the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal.
Rafizi, who is also a former Minister of Economy, made these remarks during an interview on Malaysiakini's podcast.
He also stated that a person who was previously close to Anwar fits a “Rasputin-like” role, wielding great influence over appointments and business affairs, which runs counter to reform ideals.
He reminded those in power that they should be accountable to the people and the party.
Rafizi pointed out that, in fact, this issue had already been raised to the party leadership—including Anwar himself—even before the 15th General Election.
He said that at the time, there was consensus that this person would step into the background and no longer be involved in politics.
However, Rafizi noted that after Anwar became prime minister, the situation changed.
“After Anwar became prime minister, we started to hear feedback from people within the party, government officials, and those dealing with the government.”
He admitted that, initially, he did not believe it himself, but as more and more accusations surfaced about this person’s involvement in appointments, many people started sharing information, which was verified by different sources.
Rafizi believes this is similar to the key figure in the 1MDB scandal, Jho Low, where at first 1MDB denied it, but in the end, it had to be acknowledged.
“The Malaysian people have lived through that era. During the 1MDB scandal, when UMNO leaders raised concerns to the then Prime Minister, Dato’ Seri Najib, about Jho Low, Najib would always say it had nothing to do with him.”
“In my experience, when such statements arise, we cannot take them lightly. When different people all tell you the same thing, you should pay attention.”
As for whether there is now a 'new version of Jho Low', Rafizi said that if this matter is not addressed, he does not rule out the possibility.
He said the people elected this government based on the principle of reform and similar incidents must be avoided; mere denial is not enough.
“I urge Anwar not to repeat the same mistakes. To downplay it by saying ‘it has nothing to do with me’.
“If something does happen and is later verified, in the end, it is Anwar and the Justice Party who will have to bear the consequences.”
He reminded Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar not to repeat the mistakes of the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal.
Rafizi, who is also a former Minister of Economy, made these remarks during an interview on Malaysiakini's podcast.
He also stated that a person who was previously close to Anwar fits a “Rasputin-like” role, wielding great influence over appointments and business affairs, which runs counter to reform ideals.
He reminded those in power that they should be accountable to the people and the party.
Rafizi pointed out that, in fact, this issue had already been raised to the party leadership—including Anwar himself—even before the 15th General Election.
He said that at the time, there was consensus that this person would step into the background and no longer be involved in politics.
However, Rafizi noted that after Anwar became prime minister, the situation changed.
“After Anwar became prime minister, we started to hear feedback from people within the party, government officials, and those dealing with the government.”
He admitted that, initially, he did not believe it himself, but as more and more accusations surfaced about this person’s involvement in appointments, many people started sharing information, which was verified by different sources.
Rafizi believes this is similar to the key figure in the 1MDB scandal, Jho Low, where at first 1MDB denied it, but in the end, it had to be acknowledged.
“The Malaysian people have lived through that era. During the 1MDB scandal, when UMNO leaders raised concerns to the then Prime Minister, Dato’ Seri Najib, about Jho Low, Najib would always say it had nothing to do with him.”
“In my experience, when such statements arise, we cannot take them lightly. When different people all tell you the same thing, you should pay attention.”
As for whether there is now a 'new version of Jho Low', Rafizi said that if this matter is not addressed, he does not rule out the possibility.
He said the people elected this government based on the principle of reform and similar incidents must be avoided; mere denial is not enough.
“I urge Anwar not to repeat the same mistakes. To downplay it by saying ‘it has nothing to do with me’.
“If something does happen and is later verified, in the end, it is Anwar and the Justice Party who will have to bear the consequences.”