Rafizi urges lawful discourse after Najib conviction, recalls whistleblowing on 1MDB and vows scandal must never recur
PETALING JAYA: Former Economy minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli described the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) case as deeply divisive, emotionally charged and one that had shocked the nation.
In a statement, in relation to the conviction of former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak on Friday, Rafizi said the case came under public scrutiny in 2010 after doubts were raised over 1MDB’s investment in PetroSaudi.
For the record, Rafizi was one of the most vocal figures in exposing alleged financial irregularities in 1MDB.
“This involved multiple parties and a long chain of events unfolding both in the court of public opinion and the courts of law.
“Those who had followed the evidence presented publicly and in court would likely agree with the judge’s decision, while those who disagreed are entitled to their views.
“That is the right of every citizen,” he added.
However, he stressed that public opinion must be exercised responsibly and within the boundaries of the law, particularly as the case moves through appeals to the Court of Appeal and potentially the Federal Court, a process that could take several more years.
“The responsibility of citizens, whether agreeing or disagreeing, is to remain within the framework of the law,” he said.
Over the years, Rafizi compiled and published numerous reports, analyses, and articles highlighting discrepancies in 1MDB’s accounts, earning him a reputation as a key whistleblower in the case.
His activism led to personal consequences.
Rafizi recalled his 18-month prison sentence in November 2016 related to the 1MDB case, the dismissal of his appeal in August 2017, and the effect on his family.
Between 2013 and 2022, he wrote 123 articles and exposés on 1MDB, all of which remain available on his blog.
He urged Malaysians to find peace with their respective views while ensuring a scandal on the scale of 1MDB never happens again.
“If we must continue to speak up, no matter how exhausting it may be, we are duty-bound to do so. One 1MDB in our history is more than enough,” he said.
Beginning in 2010, he publicly questioned the state fund’s controversial investment in PetroSaudi and raised concerns over transparency, governance and mismanagement.
In 2016, Rafizi was sentenced to 18 months in prison after being found guilty of violating the Official Secrets Act for possessing and disclosing part of a government audit report on the heavily indebted 1MDB fund, which was established by Najib, who was prime minister at the time.
