KUALA LUMPUR – Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli has claimed that several Perikatan Nasional (PN) leaders, who are among his staunchest critics, have rejected invitations to appear on his Yang Bakar Menteri (YBM) podcast.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Rafizi named PN leaders and supporters who had declined his invitation, comprising Machang MP Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal, Pendang Awang MP Solahuddin Hashim, activists Hawa Yaakob and Sufi Kamari, and a litigation lawyer known as Solisidtor on the social media platform.
“Despite reaching out to numerous pro-PN leaders and activists to ‘grill’ me, all of them have declined thus far.
“I will not give up and will continue to contact more pro-PN leaders and activists until they can directly take up the challenge to ‘grill’ me.
“Don’t just criticise behind my back, but refuse to give constructive views in front of me,” he said.
Rafizi also said that influencer YB Viral had also rejected his invitation to appear on the podcast.
The Pandan MP also said that some PN leaders cited other Pakatan Harapan leaders joining the podcast as the reason for turning down their invitations.
“The podcast’s goal is to prioritise face-to-face meetings between PN supporters, leaders, and myself, allowing the public to independently assess the arguments presented by both the government and the opposition.
“Harapan leaders, current and former, also have the opportunity to express their views to me through government or party channels. Some also use their own platforms to communicate with the people.”
“I will adhere to the original goal of the podcast, which is to provide a platform for those who oppose or are critical of the government’s approach,” he said.
Rafizi also said that due to the lack of participation of PN leaders in the podcast, invitations have been extended to those who generally express criticism towards the government.
In tonight’s episode, Rafizi said he has invited economic analyst Professor Dr Barjoyai Bardai from Universiti Tun Abdul Razak, who has been critical of him in the past. – January 22, 2024