Rafizi sorry for slighting lawmakers

RAFIZI Ramli (pic), in his final speech as the Pandan representative, apologised to all lawmakers who might have been slighted by him.

The PKR MP, speaking during the debate on the motion of thanks on the Royal Address, said: “I apologise if I have been harsh in my criticism over the past five years in this august house and if I hurt the feelings of those over there (government bench).

“I have never done it out of hate.”

The PKR vice-president is ineligible to stand in the next general election after being found guilty of leaking confidential banking details belonging to the National Feedlot Corporation in March 2012.

On Feb 7, the Shah Alam Sessions Court imposed a 30month jail sentence on Rafizi and former bank clerk Johari Mohamad.

The court has allowed a stay of execution pending appeal.

Under Article 48 (1) (e) of the Federal Constitution, an elected representative loses his seat if he is jailed for at least a year or fined a minimum of RM2,000.

Rafizi also extended his thanks to the Barisan Nasional MPs, saying they had been open in their arguments with him.

He also thanked the Speaker and his deputies, whom he said had given him the opportunity to speak up.

The lawmaker also said he “sympathised” with Pekan MP Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak for carrying a huge burden on his shoulders as the Prime Minister.

“However, I will not avoid addressing issues that the people are facing, such as the high cost of living,” said Rafizi.