KUALA LUMPUR: The 12-year-old son of former minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli was attacked at a shopping mall in Putrajaya.
“Yes, I can confirm the incident,” said Selangor police chief Comm Datuk Shazeli Kahar when contacted yesterday.
In statement yesterday, Rafizi, who is Pandan MP, said the incident happened when his wife and son were about to leave the mall in Putrajaya.
He claimed that the attack involved two men on a motorcycle dressed completely in black and wearing full-face helmets, with one man dragging his son before stabbing him with a syringe.
“In my opinion, they had planned the attack beforehand,” said Rafizi, adding that the duo had likely been following his wife and son before springing into action.
Rafizi said this was the first time his family had been targeted.
“I believe this attack is a warning for me not to be outspoken on certain issues,” he said, adding that he will not succumb to any threats, and will continue to discharge his duties as usual.
Earlier in Parliament, Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul said he will contact officials for an explanation on the matter.
Johari said while he was unaware of what actually took place, he will do his utmost to ensure the safety of all MPs.
“I will contact the Home Ministry to get an explanation of what happened as soon as possible, especially since this may involve the safety of all of us.
“If I feel there is a need for further clarification on what occurred, I will ask for the minister to come to Parliament to explain this unprecedented incident,” he said during debates on the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) yesterday.
Johari’s decision came after Wong Chen (PH-Subang) interrupted the 13MP debate to inform the august House of the attack.
In a statement in the evening, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said he had spoken to Rafizi after he was notified of the incident to express his concern and sympathy.
“I pray that his son will recover soon, and that his family will be brave in facing this test.
“The ministry and the police view this matter seriously, and the police is now investigating the matter.
“I need to emphasise that all investigations will be conducted impartially, without care for anyone’s status or background, in line with the police’s responsibility for public safety, including children,” said Saifuddin, who also called on everyone not to speculate on the matter while the police carry out their investigation.
