Anwar, the prime minister, said he would rather focus on issues affecting the country’s economy.

“They (issues affecting the economy) are far more serious than a personal problem.

“So I advise them to remain calm,” he told reporters after attending Friday prayers in Kg Cheras Baru, Pandan.

Rafizi has been openly critical of the government and PKR since he lost the race for the party’s deputy presidency and relinquished the economy minister’s post in May last year.

Five days ago, PKR central leadership council member A Kumaresan called on the party to take action against Rafizi, accusing the Pandan MP of weakening the party.

Earlier today, Rafizi challenged PKR to sack him when defending several statements he made against the party leadership, listed in a second show-cause letter issued yesterday.

In July last year, 19 PKR divisions in Johor called for the suspension of nine MPs from the party, including Rafizi, who had pushed for a royal commission of inquiry into judicial appointments and alleged interference in the judiciary.

The division chiefs said the MPs’ actions not only breached party discipline and ethics, but also cast a negative light on the prime minister’s leadership and opened the door to political manipulation by rivals.