Cover image via 
Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp for the latest stories and breaking news.
Former economy minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli has revealed that his son was stabbed with a mystery syringe in an attack targeting his family
In a Facebook post yesterday, 13 August, the former PKR deputy president said the attack occurred at 1.45pm, as he, his wife, and his son were getting into their car to leave a shopping mall in Putrajaya.
According to Rafizi, a man suddenly dragged his child and stabbed him with a syringe.
He claimed that two men on a motorcycle had been tailing his wife's car prior to the assault.
"In my view, they had planned the attack in advance. The attack involved two men dressed entirely in black and wearing full-face helmets.
"They had been waiting beforehand and rushed to attack my child at the right moment.
"My child was immediately taken to UPM Hospital for treatment," he said.
𝗞𝗘𝗝𝗔𝗗𝗜𝗔𝗡 𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗔𝗡 𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗛𝗔𝗗𝗔𝗣 𝗔𝗡𝗔𝗞 𝗦𝗔𝗬𝗔
— Rafizi Ramli (@rafiziramli) August 13, 2025
Sekitar jam 145 petang ini, semasa anak dan isteri saya memasuki kereta untuk meninggalkan sebuah pusat membeli belah di Putrajaya, secara tiba-tiba seorang lelaki mengheret anak saya dan mencucuknya dengan… pic.twitter.com/W49hPkVgwP
Rafizi and his family have given their statements to the police
The Pandan member of parliament said both the police and the hospital will release further information once the investigation and medical examination are complete.
He expressed gratitude to the police and the hospital for assisting his family through the ordeal, adding that he would not be intimidated by such threats.
"In all my years as a public-profile politician, this is the first time my family has been the target of such an attack and threat. I believe this was meant as a warning for me to stop speaking out boldly on certain issues.
"Thank you to everyone who has sent messages and well wishes.
"God willing, while I will take further steps to enhance security, I will not bow to any threats and will continue to carry out my duties as usual," he said.
What do we know so far after the attack?
Selangor police chief Datuk Shazeli Kahar (middle).
Image via Bernama via Malay MailSpeaking to Malaysiakini, Selangor police chief Datuk Shazeli Kahar said the contents of the syringe are still being examined, pending analysis results.
He confirmed that Rafizi's son is safe and has been discharged from the hospital.
The authorities are investigating the case from all angles, including whether it was politically motivated.
The case is currently being probed under:
• Section 352 of the Penal Code for assault
• Section 324 of the Penal Code for causing hurt by dangerous weapons
• Section 14(d) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act for physical sexual assault on a child
Shazeli explained that the investigation is conducted under the Sexual Offences Against Children Act because the perpetrators had physical contact with Rafizi's son, who is 12.
The provision stipulates that touching any part of a child's body is an offence punishable by up to 20 years in prison and whipping.
The police are still working to identify and locate the suspects.
Political reaction: Perikatan Nasional (PN) has described the attack as a threat to democracy
According to FMT, opposition chief whip Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan said if Rafizi's suspicion of political motivation proves true, it would represent "a disturbing development of thuggish politics".
"Differences in political views should never lead to threats or physical violence, especially when children are involved.
"The perpetrator must be brought to justice and face strict legal action as a clear message that any form of violence, especially against children, has no place in Malaysia," he said.
Here is what you need to know about Rafizi
The 47-year-old PKR veteran left a promising corporate career to enter politics at a young age.
Born and raised in Terengganu, he was a top student, excelling academically and in extracurricular activities such as debating, writing, and serving as president of his college military band.
He holds a Bachelor's degree in Engineering from the University of Leeds and is a chartered accountant accredited by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW).
According to his LinkedIn, he spent six years in PETRONAS, rising from a financial accounting manager to the head of group budget, accounts, and tax in a department.
He later served as the general manager of Pharmaniaga before becoming CEO of the Selangor economic advisory office, marking the serious start of his political career.
Since then, he has been involved in a whistleblower non-profit organisation, founded a think tank, and was among the most outspoken critics during the early stages of the 1MDB scandal.
Known for using data-driven strategies in politics and elections, he was elected MP for Pandan in 2013 at the age of 35.
In May, Rafizi lost the PKR deputy presidency to Nurul Izzah Anwar, daughter of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Following his defeat, he resigned as economy minister and has since been vocal on political matters, particularly the alleged interference in judicial independence in July.
