The controversy surrounding Malaysia’s foreign worker recruitment system has reached a new peak as Pandan Member of Parliament Rafizi Ramli confirmed receiving a second letter of demand (LOD).
This latest legal action comes from Aminul Islam Abdul Nor, the founder and owner of Bestinet Sdn Bhd, the company at the heart of the ongoing dispute.
Rafizi stated today that this move follows an existing lawsuit filed by Bestinet itself, which operates the Foreign Workers Centralised Management System (FWCMS).
While the initial court case involves the management and operations of the system, this second demand focuses on specific remarks made by the MP in digital content.
The Pandan lawmaker has referred the matter to his legal representatives for review. He noted that his team would assess the situation and take the necessary actions based on their evaluation of the claims.
Allegations of derogatory language
The letter of demand, issued by law firm Lui & Bhullar on behalf of Aminul Islam, alleges that Rafizi used a racial slur in a video posted on April 17 across multiple social media platforms.
The firm contended that the term was used several times during an episode of the Yang Berhenti Menteri podcast.
Legal representatives for Aminul Islam described the term as vile and derogatory, arguing that it carries a history of colonial-style oppression and cultural suppression.
The firm maintained that the conduct was malicious and intended to demean and dehumanise their client.
Furthermore, the firm claimed that Rafizi had translated and republished parts of a Bloomberg article that is already the subject of a civil suit.
They argued that these statements were defamatory, asserting that Aminul Islam was not involved in corrupt practices or the defrauding of migrant workers.
Demands for apology and retraction
The law firm has demanded that Rafizi issue an apology within seven days, retract the purported slur, and cease using the offensive term.
The letter dated April 21 also warned that Aminul Islam would consider lodging a police report for criminal harassment and filing a civil suit for damages if the demands are not met.
The firm highlighted that Bestinet had previously extended its full cooperation to investigations conducted by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
They denied claims that their client was hiding behind any authorities to escape legal scrutiny.
Earlier this year, Bestinet and its founder initiated legal action against Bloomberg and several others, including Rafizi, over an article linking the company to a migrant worker recruitment syndicate.
A High Court hearing regarding an application to strike out that suit is scheduled for June 26.
