In an interview with Malaysiakini, Rafizi said, "On one extreme, you have much rhetoric about Islam, but it appears disconnected with what is happening on the ground. In reality, there is a lot less emphasis on Islamic values on the ground, and it is showing."



The Pandan MP also highlighted the negative effects of socio-economic factors on Malay youths' stance on Islamic values, saying, "Based on my experience from these 9 out of 10 youths is that they seem to be the lesser educated and poorer Malays. Because of the socio-economic situation, the situation is worsening on the ground. Poverty and hardship push them further away from Islamic values."



"Though quantitatively, the 9 out of 10 messages and calls I received is not sufficient to prove anything, but qualitatively, you have to wonder. They were youths, and they were bold enough to call and message," he added.