JOHOR BAHRU – The move by nine PKR Members of Parliament, led by Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli, to push for the establishment of a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) into judicial matters is seen as a sign that they have lost confidence in Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Abdul Karim said if the RCI is eventually formed, Anwar, as the Prime Minister with constitutional powers in judicial appointments would inevitably be subject to investigation.
“Anwar would be the primary suspect that must be investigated by the RCI. This is the implication of the demand made by the nine PKR MPs themselves.
“Without the consent of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, their demand only serves to further tarnish Anwar’s image and that of his administration. These nine MPs have essentially placed Anwar’s neck under the guillotine, just like during the French Revolution,” he said in a statement on Tuesday.
However, Hassan acknowledged that the judicial issues raised by the group were legitimate, meritorious and had become the ‘elephant in the room’ or an open secret that can no longer be ignored.
“Their actions are progressive, radical and popular among the public. But are these nine MPs prepared to take responsibility if their actions bring down Anwar?
“If so, then it is clear there is an internal rebellion within PKR,” he said.
Hassan said although the move sets a good example of parliamentary democracy, politically, it marks an unprecedented act of direct defiance against the PKR President.
“Anwar is now on the defensive, the Madani government is weakening and its integrity is being compromised by this judicial issue. Have they truly considered the long-term interests of the country, the reform agenda and PKR’s political struggle, beyond just Anwar’s political survival?
“If they have, then this is the most serious, intense and daring challenge from PKR’s own senior MPs against Anwar’s leadership,” he said.
Hassan also said the development signalled that many PKR leaders, especially MPs, have grown impatient and lost confidence due to the Madani government’s excessive compromises, which have led to elements of hypocrisy in various matters.
“When Anwar returns from his overseas trip, his top priority must be to address the demands of these nine MPs wisely. This is no small matter, it is extremely serious, akin to an internal reckoning within his own party,” he said.
Nevertheless, Hassan affirmed that he still supports Anwar’s leadership as Prime Minister and remains committed to defending the Madani government.
On Monday, nine PKR MPs called on the government to establish an RCI to investigate alleged interference in judicial appointments and court decisions, a situation that has raised concerns over the independence of Malaysia’s judiciary.
The Pandan MP said the controversy surrounding the top judicial appointments must be urgently addressed as it resembles the 2007 VK Lingam video scandal, which involved attempts to influence the appointment of the Chief Justice at the time.
The press conference was also attended by Setiawangsa MP Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, Ampang MP Rodziah Ismail, Subang MP Wong Chen, Wangsa Maju MP Zahir Hassan, Balik Pulau MP Datuk Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik and Ledang MP Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh.
Two other PKR MPs, Sungai Siput MP S. Kesavan and Batu Pahat MP Onn Abu Bakar were not present but expressed support for judicial reform.