KUALA LUMPUR, February 21 — Former economy minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli is proceeding with a defamation lawsuit against social media influencer Ariz Ramli, better known as Caprice, after what he described as repeated failures to apologise over allegations linking him to a RM2.5 billion corruption case.
Speaking on his “Yang Berhenti Menteri” podcast, Rafizi said Caprice’s content accused him of having a beneficial interest in Invoke Solutions Sdn Bhd and awarding contracts to a company allegedly connected to him.
He argued that framing statements as questions or satire does not shield a person from defamation laws, adding that innuendo and implied accusations could also be deemed defamatory by the courts.
Rafizi maintained there was no abuse of power or financial gain on his part, saying company records showed the instrument in question involved preference shares structured as a loan rather than ordinary shares.
He expressed confidence in succeeding in court, asserting that no evidence of bribery or conflict of interest exists. Rafizi also suggested the controversy was an attempt to damage his reputation and divert attention from other issues.
While reiterating that he had given Caprice opportunities to clarify or apologise before initiating legal action.
