We are gravely disturbed by the brazen assault against the Rafizi Ramli’s family, in which his 12-year-old son was forcibly dragged and stabbed with a syringe in a Putrajaya shopping centre car park on 13 August, with subsequent threatening messages sent to Rafizi’s wife.
We categorically condemn this violent act in the strongest possible terms.
This is not merely an attack on one individual—it represents an alarming escalation in political intimidation. Targeting the family of a public figure -particularly a child – is a toxic departure from acceptable, democratic political conduct.
It signals that some actors are willing to cross every boundary, even at the expense of innocent children. This is intolerable.
We call upon all stakeholders – the prime minister, political leaders and parties, civil society, media and ordinary people – to stand firmly in solidarity with Rafizi and his family.
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Silence in the face of such brutality is complicity. Every individual and institution concerned with our country’s democratic future must loudly and unequivocally denounce this atrocity.
We demand that the police act swiftly, professionally and transparently. Investigations must be conducted thoroughly and without fear or favour. The perpetrators must be located, arrested, and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
Any delay, evasion or lapses in process will embolden further acts of political violence and undermine public trust in law enforcement.
We recognise that political rivalry is intrinsic to democracy – but rivalry must never devolve into hatred, malice or violence. The robust contestation of ideas and policy is healthy. Intimidation, threats and physical attacks fundamentally violate democratic norms and decency.
This incident also underscores systemic vulnerabilities: a perceived unlevel political playing field, institutions that are biased or weak, and an inconsistent rule of law. These failings – especially if unresolved – create a permissive environment for dangerous acts such as this.
We must ask ourselves: when political critiques or dissent can provoke physical violence against one’s family, what hope remains for open, free and fair political discourse?
Projek Sama calls for immediate and long-term measures:
- A comprehensive and impartial investigation by the police, publicly monitored for accountability
- Institutional reforms to strengthen independent law enforcement and judicial institutions, ensuring no one – including powerful political figures – can evade accountability for politically motivated violence
- Practical safeguards to ensure that political engagement remains nonviolent – honouring dissent without punishing those who speak out
We reiterate: Malaysia’s democratic culture cannot survive if its participants believe violence – especially against families – is a permissible tool of political warfare. We reject this notion outright.
Let the attack on Rafizi’s son be a wake-up call. May it unite rather than divide us. May it catalyse reforms rather than breed fear.
And let it reaffirm our collective commitment to a democracy where differences are resolved through ideas – not intimidation. – Projek Sama
AGENDA RAKYAT - Lima perkara utama
- Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
- Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
- Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
- Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
- Lawan rasuah dan kronisme
