Rafizi Ramli remains one of the most polarising figures in Malaysian politics. On platforms like Facebook, a significant majority of users — especially those aligned with UMNO — are highly critical of him, accusing him of manipulation, spreading slander, and using emotional tactics to win support.
Yet, beneath the flood of condemnation lies a more nuanced view. One Saiful Baharum, an influencer and seen as an Umno follower, says he is not a fan of Rafizi, but acknowledge a grudging respect for his ability to bend the political narrative in his favour.
Rafizi’s tactics
“He spreads all kinds of slander because he wants to help his party win. He doesn’t care whether it’s right or wrong — that comes later. It’s a sin he’s willing to bear,” he wrote on Facebook.
Rafizi’s opponents often accuse him of crossing ethical lines, but others point out that politics is rarely a clean game. Unlike UMNO, which Saiful claims lacks strategic figures of his calibre, Rafizi is credited with tapping into emotional currents and harnessing public sentiment, especially via social media. In that space, emotional engagement often trumps facts — and Rafizi understands the rules better than most.
Outdated UMNO
UMNO’s outdated social media strategies shows it is stuck in a 1990s mindset, unable or unwilling to adapt to the media-savvy, emotionally charged battlefield Rafizi dominates. “You expect your political enemies to play fair?” the political observer quipped. “That’s naive. All is fair in love and war — and politics.”
In a nation where misinformation and manipulation are common tools of influence, he argues that hating Rafizi for using them while excusing others who do the same reeks of selective outrage.
Ultimately, while many may loathe his style, few can deny that Rafizi plays the game effectively — and in politics, that might be all that matters.
