ALOR STAR: Raja Petra Kamaruddin has no credibility left to comment on Malaysian politics as he is living in exile, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
He said Raja Petra's commentaries on the country's political situation were "a waste of space" for newspaper columns.
"Facts showed that he moved there (to the United Kingdom) following numerous court processes and binding judgements against him. The fact that he chose a foreign country over facing the law here speaks volumes.
"But as opposed to being a brave individual, he opted to reside in Manchester, discussing treaties and various matters that in my opinion, is a waste for our newspaper columns," he told reporters during a work visit to the Sungai Anak Bukit Flood Mitigation Project site here today.
Saifuddin, who is also Pakatan Harapan secretary-general, urged all parties to ignore commentaries by Raja Petra and focusing on more constructive discussions for the country.
"Let's manage the country well, safeguard the welfare of our people, and refrain from engaging in discussions about him.
"He already has several court decisions against him, as a quick Google search would show," he added.
Yesterday, Raja Petra, on his YouTube channel, mocked the government's efforts to extradite him from England, deeming any such efforts futile.
Raja Petra claimed that the lack of an extradition treaty between Malaysia and the UK as one reason why the extradition effort would not succeed.
Meanwhile, commenting on Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor's recent criticism of civil servants, Saifuddin said Sanusi should have been more careful with his choice of words.
He said that Sanusi's lashing out at the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) as "government lackeys" following probes into the Kedah Football Association for alleged corruption, does not portray him as a wise leader.
"The elections are over. The people have decided. I am a Muslim. My religion teaches me ethics, manners, and Shariah beliefs. So, the choice of words, I think we should be cautious and avoid expressions like that.
"A leader should exhibit a more positive attitude, addressing problems in a more conducive manner. I believe it's better in maintaining future relationships," he added.