Malaysia PM calls for probe into syringe attack on ex-minister's son

Malaysian authorities have been ordered to conduct a swift and thorough investigation into an attack on a former minister's son that took place on Wednesday.

Former economy minister Rafizi Ramli said in his X post that his 12-year-old son was dragged away and stabbed with a syringe by an unknown assailant after leaving the shopping mall in Putrajaya at about 1.45pm on 13 August.

Rafizi said health checks showed his son had not experienced any immediate side effects. He said his son must undergo regular blood tests to rule out viral infections such as hepatitis or HIV.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said he wants to ensure a transparent probe into the "very alarming" incident.

"I guarantee the home minister and inspector-general of police said they will act immediately, swiftly, and transparently," he told parliament on 14 August.   

Rafizi has been critical of Anwar and the government since his resignation as economy minister, which came after he lost his position as deputy president in the premier's political party.

Last month, he called for a royal commission of inquiry to probe alleged political interference in the judiciary, among other concerns.

Following Anwar’s remarks, Rafizi said at a press conference, the attack on his son was “an act of intimidation” to silence. He added that his wife had received threats via text message.  

One of the messages read "Shut up! If you continue, AIDS!" followed by three syringe emojis, Rafizi said.

“Throughout my time as a high-profile politician, this is the first time my family has been the target of such an attack and threats,” Rafizi said in his yesterday’s statement.

He said he believes the threats are linked to a meeting with whistleblowers last week. He did not elaborate further.

Meanwhile, local press reported in The New Straits Times that Selangor police chief Shazeli Kahar confirmed officers are tracking down two male suspects and have obtained closed-circuit television footage from the mall.

The attack comes as political leaders voiced concerns over increasing incidents of violence in Malaysia. 

The country saw several attacks on its soccer players, with one national footballer severely injured after he was splashed with acid by an unknown assailant at a shopping mall in 2024.

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