KUALA LUMPUR – Perikatan Nasional has issued a warm welcome to newly independent Kuala Langat MP Datuk Xavier Jayakumar, following his exit from PKR.
PN secretary-general Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin in a statement said Xavier, being an experienced lawmaker, made the decision to support the government for the sake of the people.
“PN describes his support as a manifestation of the confidence in the ability of the government led by Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin in addressing the challenges brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.”
Xavier yesterday announced his resignation as party vice-president and member, opting to support the PN administration as an independent.
“Throughout my career as a politician, I have been with PKR since 1998,” he said in a brief statement.
“However, following the events that have unfolded in this past year, I have grown extremely frustrated.”
The former water, land and natural resources minister questioned whether calls for an early general election are necessary or viable at this juncture.
“The priority should be to support the government in containing the Covid-19 pandemic, to create jobs, and to secure funds to rebuild the economy.
“It will take at least 18 months just to complete the vaccination programme, and more than two years for the economy to fully recover.”
Endorsing PN, he said the government’s efforts need bipartisan support to ensure they are realised.
“The people want stability, and to restart our ailing economic sectors.
“Towards this, we need to work together, not against one another.”
Announcing his resignation with immediate effect, Xavier said he will continue to serve his constituency.
“I am confident that I will fulfil my election promises to the people of Kuala Langat.”
His departure makes him the third PKR MP to cross over in recent weeks, with Julau’s Larry Sng and Steven Choong (Tebrau) also exiting the party to support Muhyiddin’s administration.
The Pakatan Harapan presidential council in a statement last week slammed PN’s tactic of using enforcement agencies to intimidate opposition lawmakers into defecting. – The Vibes, March 14, 2021
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