SUNGAI BULOH: PKR vice-president Datuk Seri R. Ramanan has condemned attempts to link him to businessman Victor Chin’s allegations that a Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) lawmaker asked for a bribe to settle legal issues linked to the so-called ‘corporate mafia’.
At a press conference this afternoon, the Sungai Buloh MP strongly denied the allegations, which he said were a ploy to bring down the Madani government and tear the party apart.
“I do not know him, have never met him, and have never spoken to him,” said Ramanan, rejecting claims that he is the individual Chin referred to as ‘Mr R’.
“There has been sensationalised news circulating in the press and on social media regarding individuals referred to as ‘Mr R’, ‘Mr A’, ‘Mr W’, ‘Mr Q’, and ‘Mr X’, alongside allegations of a so-called ‘corporate mafia’.
“Let me be clear – these claims are baseless and, frankly, resemble fiction rather than fact.”
Ramanan said as a party leader, he has a responsibility to respond to the allegations.
“Remaining silent would allow misinformation to spread and be accepted as truth. We cannot allow doubt and ambiguity to persist,” he said.
Yesterday, Chin alleged that a PKR MP had requested RM10 million in cash last October to resolve his legal issues.
The businessman claimed he paid RM9.5 million, but did not hand over the remaining RM500,000.
He also accused another individual identified as ‘Mr R’ of working with the corporate mafia to gain control of NexG Bhd and related shareholdings through coercion and restrictions on shareholders’ rights.
Chin gave the MP until March 30 to return the money or he would reveal the name.
Reiterating his denial, Ramanan, who is also Human Resources Minister, stressed that he does not hold shares in public-listed companies and described the allegations as illogical.
“No Member of Parliament in their right mind would engage in transactions involving millions of ringgit without triggering regulatory scrutiny. Such claims are simply not credible,” he said.
“To date, no evidence has been presented – not a single document, not a single verified transaction record. Serious accusations require proof. Where are the transfer records? Where is the documentation?”
‘Corporate Devil’
Ramanan warned that Chin’s allegations risk creating a false narrative and destabilising PKR, adding that he would not hesitate to take legal action if named directly.
“I challenge anyone to name me. And we will see whether I sue,” he said, while showing documents of alleged wrongdoing by Chin and his companies.
“Many people have lost their life savings because of him.
“He is trying to portray himself as an angel when he is actually a corporate devil.”
Ramanan added that even the mafia has a code of ethics, and alleged Chin has none.
He also claimed Chin is using allegations of being investigated under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001, and harassment by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, Bank Negara, and the police as a ruse.
“What is his real intention? Is this an attempt to bring down the government? It appears to be a strategy to paint himself as a victim to seek political asylum in Britain,” he said.
“If he has done nothing wrong, he should return to Malaysia and face investigation. It is not acceptable to remain abroad issuing statements and making wild accusations without evidence.”
During the press conference, Ramanan also took a swipe at former PKR deputy president Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli.
Rafizi recently claimed that investigations into allegations of a ‘corporate mafia’ could become a major issue if the focus was solely on Chin.
“Rafizi is a failed minister. What did he do while in government? Padu? Vending machines? Now that he is out, he is trying to discredit the government and tear the party apart,” said Ramanan.
“Victor (Chin) has not produced a shred of evidence, yet Rafizi is willing to believe his allegations.
“Rafizi is a coward. He resigned when he failed to perform as a minister. Now he is doing what he knows best – make noise.”
Last night, Rafizi, the former economy minister, also denied receiving RM9.5 million from Chin.