Brazen attack on Rafizi's family an alarming escalation, says civil society group

The Star

13 hours ago

PETALING JAYA: The attack on former economy minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli's family is not merely an attack on an individual but an alarming escalation in political intimidation, says Projeck Sama.
In a statement Thursday (Aug 14), the civil society group categorically condemned the brazen assault.
"Targeting the family of a public figure, particularly a child, is a toxic departure from acceptable, democratic political conduct.
"It signals that some actors are willing to cross every boundary, even at the expense of innocent children. This is intolerable," the statement read.
Projek Sama also urged the police to act swiftly, professionally and transparently in probing the incident, adding that the perpetrators must be located, arrested and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
The group also called on all stakeholders, including the Prime Minister, political leaders, civil society and Malaysians at large to stand firmly in solidarity with Rafizi and his family.
"We recognise that political rivalry is intrinsic to democracy but rivalry must never devolve into hatred, malice, or violence," it said.
Projek Sama also said institutional reforms should be put in place to ensure no one, including powerful political figures, could evade accountability for politically-motivated violence.
"Let the attack on Rafizi's son be a wake-up call and may it unite rather than divide us.
"May it catalyse reforms rather than breed fear. And let it reaffirm our collective commitment to a democracy where differences are resolved through ideas, not intimidation," it said.