PKR secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has called on party members today to hold on tight to the principles despite alleged offers and threats from political rivals.
He suggested that the attempts to lure PKR MPs to defect came right as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s decreed that Parliament can sit during the Emergency, even as Perikatan Nasional (PN) is said to have lost its majority.
“PKR is aware that there are planned measures that are being undertaken by certain parties to weaken the strength of the people’s representatives, especially the Opposition MPs, including from PKR,” he said in a statement.
“This is being done with a threat and bait approach whether it is related to income tax issues, police investigations and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission or through project offers and positions in government-linked companies.
“This happens when the current government has lost the support of the majority in Parliament, and in the case of a Parliamentary session can be held during the Emergency in force,” he added.
Saifuddin did not disclose which of his party’s elected representatives had been approached or coerced in such a manner.
He also accused the PN government of losing its grip on education, employment, and public health policies.
“At the same time, it is clear in the eyes of many that the government is now unable to solve the various problems of the people, whether related to education, employment, or public health.
“Therefore, PKR condemns the desperate move to make PKR MPs leave the party to become independent or join the government party, either through threats or gifts,” he said.
“Our MPs must adhere to the principles of struggle and the spirit of reformasi, and always remember that the people evaluate our every action and are ready to respond to it in the 15th general election,” he added.
News portal Free Malaysia Today quoting sources said two PKR lawmakers are in talks with middlemen from Perikatan Nasional to cross over to the governing coalition.
One is from Borneo while the other is from the peninsula.
PKR’s Tebrau MP Steven Choong had recently denied that he was joining the PN coalition, after he was seen frequenting the ministers’ office.