Ramanan slams Rafizi as a failed leader amid “Mr R” claims, denying links to Victor Chin and accusing cyber attacks and party division.
SUNGAI BULOH: PKR vice-president Datuk Seri R. Ramanan has criticised former minister and ex-party deputy president Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli, calling him a “failed leader” and accusing him of attacking the party while appearing to defend corporate interests.
Speaking at a press conference addressing allegations linking him to businessman Victor Chin — which he strongly denied — the focus shifted when reporters asked about Rafizi’s alleged claims implicating him.
Ramanan said he had been targeted by cyber operatives linked to Rafizi, who portrayed him as colluding with Chin despite never having met or known the businessman. He further alleged that cyber troopers associated with Rafizi were pushing narratives aimed at dividing the party.
The Human Resources Minister said he could no longer remain silent in the face of continued public attacks on PKR.
“I am not the type of person who is afraid. I’ve stayed quiet for a long time, but when the party is attacked like this, I cannot sit idle,” he said.
Ramanan questioned Rafizi’s track record as minister and deputy party president, taking a swipe at his achievements.
“What was his success? A vending machine? To me, he’s a coward. He knows he failed and resigned quickly,” he said.
He accused Rafizi of continuing a pattern of public criticism, portraying himself as superior while discrediting others.
“Now what does he do? He criticises, attacks, and acts as if he’s the best.
“Where was this greatness when he was a minister? I am confused,” Ramanan added.
The PKR vice-president also questioned Rafizi’s intentions, suggesting his recent remarks could be aimed at defending certain individuals involved in corporate dealings.
“He is implying that government agencies like the MACC are in the wrong.
“What is his agenda? It appears he is defending corporate interests while criticising the party,” he said.
He dismissed speculation, emphasising that the party’s approach must be grounded in facts and due process.
“We speak about truth and evidence. We don’t create false narratives,” he said.
When asked whether Rafizi was acting alone, Ramanan declined to speculate.
“For me, there is a lot of speculation, but I don’t want to follow that. I don’t want to speculate. I don’t want to talk about rumours or create false narratives. We are focused on facts, truth, and evidence.
“I leave it to Rafizi. He can sell ice to an Eskimo — don’t worry. Previously, allegations were made about Mr X, Mr Y, Mr R, Mr Z and Mr Q, and Rafizi has already determined all of this to be factual.
“What is his agenda? Does he have evidence that none of us are aware of?” he added.
Ramanan also stressed that PKR allows freedom of speech within the party but criticised Rafizi for bypassing proper channels.
“What is sad is when proper channels are not used. This has been his nature from the beginning. It is nothing new.
“Every opportunity was given to him, but he failed,” he said.
The exchange comes amid mounting speculation following claims involving businessman Victor Chin.
Chin had released a 40-page document outlining an alleged timeline of events, claiming that a PKR MP identified as “Mr R” requested RM10 million to resolve the issue, although he said he had only managed to provide RM9.5 million.
Earlier, Rafizi had also denied that he was “Mr R” and rejected allegations that he had received the millions.