PKR lawmaker Rafizi Ramli today sought to make peace with Barisan Nasional parliamentarians in what he said was likely his final session in the Dewan Rakyat.

Rafizi, who is Pandan MP, was sentence to 30 months’ jail last month for exposing the bank account details related to the National Feedlot Corporation Sdn Bhd (NFC) and its chairman, Dr Mohamad Salleh Ismail.

While the courts granted a stay of execution pending an appeal, lawyers said the conviction ends Rafizi’s chances of standing in the next general election.

In his speech in Parliament today, Rafizi extended his apologies to BN lawmakers, who may have been hurt by his fierce criticism over the course of his five-year term.

He said his intentions have always been to be the check and balance to ensure the government lives up to its promises to the people.

“This could be my last time in this house, seeing as I may not be able to stand in the (next) elections,” said Rafizi.

“So, I will begin with a million thanks – my appreciation to Tan Sri Dipertua (Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat), and to all the Datuk Seri-Datuk Seri, and deputy speaker who have always given me space and consideration to speak up.

“I pray that this house will be even more august in the days to come,” he said during the debate on the royal address.

“I would also like to apologise over my fierce criticism against the government these past five years in this august house… if there were any hurt feeling from the other side of the house.

“I have never harboured hatred. In fact, I have friends and am comfortable with some from over there (BN) who have also criticised me.”

The PKR vice-president said he is compelled to speak up because the increasing cost of living is posing a huge burden on the people, especially those in the low-income bracket.

“My criticism comes out of the responsibility we bear, and as MPs and the people’s representatives, we are being paid by the people, even as they are forced to bear such a great burden.

“This is why I cannot help but to bring up issues that are close to the people.

“Although I sympathise with the Pekan MP for the burden and attacks that must be borne by him, this does not reduce my criticism of him, even though this is my last address,” Rafizi said, referring to Prime Minister Najib Razak.

“The government must face the people who are feeling increasingly squeezed.”

PKR sources have said Rafizi’s disqualification from running in GE14 will likely see Lembah Pantai MP and fellow PKR vice-president Nurul Izzah Anwar taking his place. – March 14, 2018.