Sivarasa blames MACC’s selective persecution for Xavier’s exit

KUALA LUMPUR – Former party mate Datuk Xavier Jayakumar would not have left PKR if not for the selective investigation initiated by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), said Sg Buloh MP Sivarasa Rasiah.

In a statement today, Sivarasa said the MACC probe is targeted to intimidate Xavier “in which several of his associates and former ministry staff have been arrested and remanded”.

“It is obvious to all and sundry that Dr Xavier would not have done this if not for the selective investigation by MACC.

“I call upon the PN (Perikatan Nasional) government to stop this abuse of enforcement agencies such as the MACC through selective investigations to intimidate opposition members of parliament with the aim of pressuring them to cross over.

“It is with great regret and much sadness that I read this morning Datuk Dr Xavier Jayakumar’s statement announcing his departure from the party.

“Dr Xavier was one of the original founding members of Parti Keadilan Nasional (as it was called then) in 1999 and has sacrificed and contributed much to the party.”

This morning, Kuala Langat MP Xavier announced his resignation as party vice-president and member, opting to support the PN government as an independent.

“Throughout my career as a politician, I have been with PKR since 1998,” he said in a brief statement today.

“However, following the events that have unfolded in this past year, I have grown extremely frustrated.”

Announcing his resignation with immediate effect, Xavier said he will continue to serve his constituency and support the government as an independent MP.

“I am confident that I will fulfil my election promises to the people of Kuala Langat.”

His departure from PKR makes him the third MP to cross over in recent weeks, with Julau’s Larry Sng and Tebrau's Steven Choong also exiting the party to support Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s administration.

The PH presidential council in a statement last week slammed PN’s tactic of using enforcement agencies to intimidate opposition lawmakers into defecting. – The Vibes, March 13, 2021