WITH Kuala Langat MP Datuk Dr Xavier Jayakumar out from PKR, the party secretary general claimed that the former was threatened to support the Government or risk facing consequences.
“I have said this before. There is an organised attempt by the minority Government to entice Opposition MPs into their fold, using the carrot and stick approach.
“Jayakumar recently told party leadership that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) was targetting him, following the arrest of his former political secretary and several of his aides in regards to a case.
“Subsequently, he was told by a ‘senior minister’ to support Perikatan Nasional (Perikatan) or risk facing dire consequences,” said Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, in a statement.
Earlier today, Jayakumar announced that he was quitting PKR, claiming he was frustrated with the recent turn of events.
“I have been with PKR since 1998. However, following the events which have unfolded in the past year, I have grown extremely frustrated.
“I will continue to serve my constituency and support the Government as an independent MP, and I’m confident that I can fulfill my election promises to the people of Kuala Langat,” he was reported saying.
Following the news, Senior Minister (International Trade and Industries) Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali tweeted a cryptic message, saying “1+1+1+…and counting. Remain calm.”
Jayakumar’s departure was the third defection hitting PKR in two months, with two others Larry Sng and Steven Choong leaving the party to support Perikatan on Feb 28.
A true leader stands tall during good and bad times
Touching on the matter, Saifuddin said that it was upsetting that certain senior Perikatan leaders were misusing federal agencies to arm-twist Pakatan Harapan MPs to support the Government.
“This a gross abuse of power, especially at a time we know that several cases of corruption and abuse of power perpetrated by Perikatan leaders are not acted upon.
“It’s now obvious that our minority Government is using the Emergency as an excuse to suspend the Parliament and entice Pakatan MPs to join its ranks, using the carrot and stick approach,” claimed the Kulim-Bandar Bahru MP.
On Jayakumar’s reasons, Saifuddin said the former’s excuse only created more confusion rather than explaining the former’s decision.
“As a person who have known Jayakumar for years, his excuse is only creating more confusion. Anyway, if you want to test a pure reformist, you must see how they react during good and bad times.
“Therefore, I urge all PKR MPs to remain strong and stick to our ‘Reformasi’ principles, without succumbing to threats or rewards,” he remarked. – March 13, 2021
