Rafizi fears OSA amendment can affect his Bafia case, says Azalina

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said says PKR's Rafizi Ramli opposes the proposed amendments to OSA because he is desperate. – The Malaysian Insider file pic, February 8, 2016.PKR vice-president Rafizi Ramli's criticism of the proposed amendment to the Official Secrets Act (OSA) 1972 shows that he is desperate and afraid of his case related to the Banking and Financial Institutions Act 1989 (Bafia), which is still pending.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said Rafizi was trying to distract attention from his case to claim that the amendment was intended to suppress the freedom of journalists and the media.

"He has also deliberately stated that this amendment would oppress journalists and media freedom so that he can get the support of the media in relation to the matter," she said in a statement today.

She said the Pandan MP did not have any immunity or privilege in the context of the law, not to mention the case involving him under Bafia.

Attorney-General (A-G) Tan Sri Mohamed Apandi Ali was reported to have said that he was considering an amendment to OSA, to increase penalties on those involved with exposing state secrets, and those who report it.

Rafizi then started a campaign on social media to gather support to reject the proposed amendment.

She said Rafizi's action of obtaining personal information, especially from financial institutions, was against the law.

"During the debate in Parliament, he stated that he had obtained leaked information over the purchase of government assets. This clearly shows that he himself has indirectly acknowledged the fact, and this should be investigated and dealt with immediately," she said.

She said the Bafia case involving Rafizi had dragged on for almost four years and should be decided upon soon, to become a benchmark for the country's financial sector.

"This issue not only involves personal interests, but could also threaten the economy and national security. If the case is prolonged, outsiders would think that the legislation involving the banking sector in the country is lenient. – Bernama, February 8, 2016.