MIRI – The pace of concerted efforts to break up the Pakatan Harapan coalition is picking up, with more lawmakers being enticed to cross over to Perikatan Nasional, said Miri MP Dr Michael Teo Yu Keng.
Dr Teo, who is also Sarawak PKR vice-chairman, told The Vibes that he is far from being the only one from his party and the opposition pact to be lured.
“There are many MPs from PH being lured to leave to become independent and friendly towards the PN government, or to join PN parties.”
However, he refused to divulge details on the efforts being made to secure his support.
He did not want to reveal who approached him, or what was offered to get him to switch sides.
Asked if he will lodge a police or Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission report on the matter, he said he “will leave things as it is for now”.
“All I can say is that these attempts to lure PH MPs will continue at a faster pace.”
In a statement yesterday, Dr Teo said he will not be bought over or betray PKR.
“I pledge my loyalty to PKR and party president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Too many have betrayed PKR already. I will not do so.”
Dr Teo, who said he feels Anwar is still the best person to lead PKR and Malaysia, expressed hope that the party will prevail and win big in both the Sarawak and general elections.
On Tuesday, Anwar said five PKR lawmakers have been threatened or enticed with rewards to defect and join PN.
They are Natrah Ismail (Sekijang), S. Kesavan (Sg Siput), Awang Husaini Sahari (Putatan), M. Karuppaiya (Padang Serai) and Dr Teo.
This came on the heels of allegations of political persecution against opposition lawmakers.
Last Saturday, Kuala Langat MP Datuk Xavier Jayakumar announced his resignation as PKR vice-president and member, opting to support the PN government as an independent.
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 Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s administration. – The Vibes, March 19, 2021
