26/03/2026

THURSDAY | MAR 26, 2026

5

Minister denies ‘Mr R’ link, claims it is political smear

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

SUNGAI BULOH: PKR vice-president Datuk Seri R. Ramanan has denied any involvement in multi-million ringgit share dealings or corporate misconduct, insisting he is not the “Mr R” named in allegations by businessman Victor Chin. Speaking at a press conference, Ramanan dismissed claims he was the PKR lawmaker allegedly receiving “tens of millions of shares”, describing the accusations as baseless and politically motivated. He stressed he had no link to the so-called “corporate mafia” scandal circulating in the media and rejected any suggestion he had received share transfers. “Hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of shares were supposedly sent to me. Prove it. I do not hold any public shares. None. Not a single one. “We have the Securities Commission. We have Bank Negara. Are you seriously suggesting such transactions could pass through, linking administrative members and MPs without triggering any alarms? That’s utterly ludicrous,” he said.

Forest fires hit several Sarawak districts MIRI: Forest fires are raging across large tracts of forested land in at least three districts in Sarawak. Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department ground reports showed wildfires were detected in Tatau, Miri and Bintulu yesterday. In Tatau, about 250km from Miri city, a blaze was ongoing in a forested area covering at least 2.02ha. In Bintulu, about 200km from Miri city, a fire was burning across about 4.04ha of forest. The blaze occurred within the Similajau forest area, the department said. In Miri, forest fires were burning in several scattered locations. The Miri Fire and Rescue station said wildfires have been detected in Batu Satu Kuala Baram and the Tudan Desarus squatter settlement area near the Sarawak-Brunei border. The cause of the fires remains unclear, whether due to open burning or the onset of dry conditions. The department said fire and rescue teams have been deployed to the affected areas. “The firefighters are struggling to contain the flames as the fires are deep inside areas with no road access. “Some areas are very deep and far from the main road. Water sources are also hard to find in several locations and the flames are spreading fast,” it said. Northern Sarawak is prone to forest fires and haze incidents, with Miri among the worst-hit areas. – By J oseph Peter In it, he claimed a Pakatan Harapan MP had demanded RM10 million to resolve the matter, though he said he was only able to provide RM9.5 million initially. asylum in the UK. “This is a strategy to paint himself as the victim so he can get political asylum. That’s why he blames everyone and playing the victim. Every day it’s a different story. “Why give credibility to someone with hundreds of police reports filed against him and his companies?” he said. Ramanan dismissed the notion he had received RM9.5 million from Chin. “How can I take RM9.5 million from someone I have never met or known? I have never met Victor Chin. I have never spoken to him. “But they want to link me to this. The narrative is evil,” he said. He added that his team in Sungai Buloh would lodge police reports to allow authorities to investigate the allegations. When asked about the identity of “Mr R”, Ramanan said only Chin could answer the question, warning against attempts by certain parties to link him to the scandal. He reiterated the claims were politically driven and aimed at destabilising PKR and the government. Ramanan also urged Chin to return to Malaysia and face legal action. “Return to Malaysia. If you are truly innocent, don’t sit overseas, smoke cigars and hide. “This is a country of law. Arrest warrants have been issued. Face the charges. Defend yourself in court. Nothing happened to those who did,” he said. The allegations emerged after Chin released a 40-page document outlining a timeline of events.

o Ramanan rejects shares allegations, challenges accuser to provide proof and return to face legal action

tax has he paid to run companies this way?” He challenged Chin to name the MP allegedly involved, reiterating the claims were entirely unfounded. Ramanan also questioned Chin’s credibility, noting the businessman’s assertions that he was being pursued by authorities, including the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, Bank Negara and the police. He said Chin appeared to be portraying himself as a victim in a bid to seek political

Ramanan also accused Chin of peddling “wild allegations” and a “dirty narrative” aimed at undermining the government and sowing confusion in political circles. The Human Resources minister went further, describing Chin not as a mafia figure but as a “corporate devil” with no ethics or mercy. “Why are we giving credibility to someone who (allegedly) operates 500 linked accounts – more than even the country’s billionaires? How much

Ramanan takes aim at Rafizi over conduct and remarks SUNGAI BULOH: PKR vice-president Datuk Seri R. Ramanan launched a blistering attack on former economy minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli yesterday, branding him a “failed leader” and accusing him of undermining the party while allegedly defending corporate interests. alone, Ramanan declined to speculate, saying he would not engage in rumours. “For me, there is a lot of speculation, but I don’t want to follow that. I don’t want to talk about rumours or create false narratives. We are focused on facts, truth and evidence. “I leave it to Rafizi. He can sell ice to an Eskimo, don’t worry,” he added. Ramanan dismissed any notion he was the PKR lawmaker allegedly receiving tens of millions of shares. – ADAM AMI R HAMZAH/THESUN

“What was his success? A vending machine? To me, he’s a coward. He knows he failed and he resigned quickly,” he said. He added that Rafizi continued to position himself as superior while publicly attacking others. “Now what does he do? He criticises, attacks and acts as if he’s the best. “Where was this greatness when he was a minister? I am confused.”. Ramanan also questioned Rafizi’s motives, suggesting his remarks appeared to defend individuals linked to corporate dealings while casting doubt on agencies such as the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC). “He is implying that government agencies like the MACC are in the wrong. What is his agenda? It appears he is defending corporate interests while criticising the party.” He stressed that PKR’s stance must be grounded in facts and due process, not speculation. “We speak about truth and evidence. We don’t create false narratives.” Pressed on whether Rafizi was acting

Ramanan said Rafizi’s criticism had crossed a line, forcing him to respond after what he described as sustained public attacks on PKR. Speaking at a press conference to address allegations linking him to businessman Victor Chin, Ramanan said he had remained silent until the party itself came under attack. “I am not the type of person who is afraid. I’ve stayed quiet for a long time but when the party is attacked like this, I cannot sit idle.” He alleged cyber operatives linked to Rafizi were targeting him, attempting to portray him as being in collusion with Chin despite having no prior connection to the businessman. Ramanan said these efforts were part of a wider attempt to sow division within PKR. Turning his criticism directly on Rafizi, he questioned the former deputy president’s track record in both government and party leadership.

Ramanan said allegations circulating against multiple individuals must be backed by evidence, adding that PKR’s processes should be respected. He also criticised Rafizi for airing grievances publicly instead of using internal party channels. “What is sad is when proper channels are not used. This has been his nature from the beginning. It is nothing new. “Every opportunity was given to him, but he failed,” he said. The exchange comes amid heightened scrutiny following claims linked to businessman Victor Chin. Ramanan has denied being “Mr R” and rejected allegations that he received funds related to the matter. –By Harith Kamal