KUALA LUMPUR – After PKR vice-president Datuk Xavier Jayakumar quit the party today, Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said there is a concerted effort by the Perikatan Nasional government to get opposition MPs’ support by way of baits and threats using police, the Inland Revenue Board and Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission.
In a statement, the PKR secretary-general said Xavier recently met with the PKR leadership to inform them that MACC has detained his political secretary, personal assistant and several acquaintances as part of an ongoing investigation.
“Xavier was then contacted by a senior minister, who told him that he has to support PN or face serious consequences.
“However, what is happening now is that government instruments, including MACC, are being used by senior politicians in the PN administration to divert the support of PH MPs and the opposition.
“This is a form of abuse of power, especially when we are aware of the corruption and abuse of power committed by the government, and no action is taken.
“As someone who has known Xavier for a long time, his actions and reasons have raised many questions. Yet, what distinguishes genuine reformers from others is that they stand the test of time.”
He said it is clear that the “minority government” has a multi-pronged tactic that includes the emergency proclamation and suspension of Parliament so as to use certain agencies to gain the support of more lawmakers through baiting, pressure and intimidation.
“I reiterate my call for all PKR MPs to remain steadfast and true to the party’s principles and reforms, without succumbing to rewards and threats.”
Meanwhile, PKR chief organising secretary and Setiawangsa MP Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad took to social media to slam Xavier’s departure.
“Good riddance to bad rubbish. Please, if you want to betray the rakyat’s trust, do it now or forever hold your peace.”
Wanita PKR chief and Kuantan MP Fuziah Salleh tweeted: “Leaders come and go. But what remains are the principles of our struggles.
“The struggle to uphold reforms is filled with mines and thorns! Pray that we endure all forms of intimidation and abuse of power.”
Pemimpin datang dan pergi. Akan tetapi yang kekal ialah Prinsip Perjuangan yang kita junjung.
— Fuziah Salleh (@FuziahSallehMP) March 13, 2021
Perjuangan menegakkan Islah dan Reform penuh ranjau dan duri! Doakan kami bertahan segala bentuk intimidasi dan salah guna kuasa. Lawan Tetap Lawan pic.twitter.com/rdpw1tiQpy
At 10am, Xavier, in a brief statement, 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.
“However, following the events that have unfolded in this past year, I have grown extremely frustrated.”
Endorsing the PN government, he said its efforts need bipartisan support to ensure they are realised.
He 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 Steven Choong (Tebrau) 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
