Abdul Karim calls for better security for leaders' families after attack on Rafizi's son

Borneo Post

a day ago

Abdul Karim expressed confidence the police would carry out thorough investigations to ensure those responsible are brought to justice. – Photo by Chimon Upon
KUCHING (Aug 14): Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah has called for greater protection of national leaders and their families following the shocking assault on Pandan MP Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli's son in Putrajaya yesterday.
He said such incidents, though uncommon in Malaysia, must be taken seriously.
'I have also just read about what happened in Kuala Lumpur regarding Rafizi's child, who was alleged pulled by two people on a motorcycle and one of them had jabbed him with a syringe.
'Incidents like this are rare, which is why it is rather shocking, and I feel that the safety of leaders and their families should now be safeguarded as well if such things can happen,' he told reporters when met at a hotel here last night.
Abdul Karim had attended the State Gala Dinner held in conjunction with the 24th Asean-China Senior Officials' Meeting on the Implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea here, which was also graced by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and Ministry of Foreign Affairs secretary-general Datuk Seri Amran Mohamed Zin.
He pointed out that only police investigations would be to determine the motive behind the attack, which took place as Rafizi's son was leaving a shopping mall with his mother.
'We do not know why this incident occurred. Possibly, there had been threats or something similar directed at Rafizi beforehand.
'But we hope that such incidents will not happen in Malaysia. They can cause feelings of fear and anxiety,' he said.
Abdul Karim expressed confidence the police would carry out thorough investigations to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
'I was rather shocked by what I read on social media, as such incidents are very rare.
'I hope the police will investigate, probe, and resolve this matter so that such feelings of fear can be eased,' he said.
Police confirmed that Rafizi's son was assaulted at a shopping mall in Putrajaya yesterday afternoon.
Selangor police chief Datuk Shazeli Kahar said the incident was believed to have occurred at 2pm at the mall's pick-up and drop-off area.
'The incident occurred when the victim was reportedly with his mother and their driver,' he told Bernama.
Investigations are ongoing.