Azmi Hassan of Akademi Nusantara warned that Najib was not an easy target, citing the Pekan MP’s seasoned political career.

He told FMT that Rafizi’s endeavour would only benefit Najib, and work against PKR and will be to the opposition’s detriment with the next general election (GE15) looming.

“Although thousands of police reports may be lodged by PKR members after taking up Rafizi’s call, it is Najib and Barisan Nasional who will benefit from the publicity ahead of GE15.

“This is a strategy that will ‘eat itself’, not only against Rafizi, but PKR and the opposition,” he said.

In his winding-up speech at the 16th PKR national congress on Sunday, Rafizi called on party members nationwide to lodge police reports against Najib for allegedly playing up racial issues and making “poisonous” remarks on social media.

The PKR deputy president’s “campaign” will start today, with police reports against the former prime minister to be lodged for alleged negligence over the Sulu claims.

Noor Nirwandy Mat Noordin, of Universiti Teknologi Mara, said personal attacks were no longer relevant in the country’s political arena.

“Personal attacks are unhealthy in national politics. If this continues, then the people will see politics in a bad light which will result in a decline of votes in elections,” he said.

He said there was a need for politicians whether from the opposition or the government to “let go” of their enemies and return to more progressive politics.

“This is because what we want is for the country’s political image to be free from seditious strategies that will affect a mature democracy. This is the hope of the people,” he said.