Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, a deputy minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, said Rafizi’s challenge was a political gimmick.
He said Tabung Haji had already lodged a report against Rafizi for defamation and that the Attorney-General’s Chambers had filed charges of criminal defamation against the PKR lawmaker.
“So there is no need for Rafizi to wait seven days for a response to his challenge; we have already taken action. We will let the law take its course,” he said, adding that criminal charges were more serious than civil suits.
Asyraf hoped Rafizi would repent for his actions and alleged that 3,954 Tabung Haji contributors had closed their accounts after Rafizi’s allegations about the fund’s financial health.