In a written reply, Rafizi addressed four key allegations outlined by PKR disciplinary board chairman Zainol Samah, who said the statements were negative towards the party and its president, Anwar Ibrahim.
The Pandan MP was accused of attacking Anwar by suggesting that the PKR president “tends to expect subordinates to praise and unquestioningly follow orders”, and of implying in a speech at a protest that Anwar had defended Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission chief Azam Baki in the shareholding controversy.
He was also accused of alleging that Anwar allowed his supporters to spread defamatory remarks against him, and protected individuals with vested interests in his capacity as prime minister.
Zainol said in the show-cause letter that if the allegations against Rafizi’s conduct were proven, they would constitute violations of PKR’s code of ethics.
He said this would include breaches of provisions related to protecting confidential party information, safeguarding the party’s good name, and refraining from acts that violate party rules and the constitution.
Rafizi, in response, maintained that his criticisms were not new and had been raised openly within the party on previous occasions, adding that they should be received with humility.
The former economy minister urged the disciplinary board to make a firm and swift decision on his fate in the party.
“If my explanation is deemed to have violated the party constitution, then act as a normal (and not wayward) party by taking disciplinary action, including expulsion, as has been done in previous cases,” he said in a four-page response posted on his social media platforms.
Rafizi was previously issued a show-cause letter over allegations that he had declared his exit from the party.
This followed an interview with Sin Chew Daily in which he was quoted as saying: “I don’t think I will stand as a PKR candidate. I will still contest in Pandan… how I will contest in Pandan, I think that’s a secret.”
Rafizi responded to the letter by saying he was free to make his own plans once Parliament was dissolved.
The party leadership at the time only reminded him to adhere to the party’s constitution and code of ethics.