SHAH ALAM: Suspending the membership of nine PKR MPs who have called for the establishment of a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) into the judiciary issue will only leave the party with 22 seats, says Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli.

The former PKR deputy president said that suspending his membership and that of eight other MPs does not solve the problem because they are paid by the people to speak up, and they will continue to do so, Malay language daily Sinar Harian reported.

He noted that the suspension also gives the impression that there is no room for democracy within the party, especially when there are MPs like Hassan Abdul Karim who have previously criticised the Prime Minister more harshly without facing any repercussions.

“There is pressure for me and the eight other PKR MPs who initiated the proposal for an RCI on the judiciary to be suspended.

“As a result, many branch leaders across the country are rushing to issue media statements urging our suspension.

“PKR secretary-general Datuk Fuziah Salleh, said it will be presented to the central leadership council soon. I am just observing. Ordinary party members are watching too.

“The public is also observing. My advice is, if you’re playing chess or draughts, before eagerly capturing your opponent, first look at the setup around you,” he said in a Facebook post on Thursday (July 17).

Previously, there were calls from several parties within PKR, including branch leaders in Johor and Kedah, for disciplinary action such as suspending membership against Rafizi and the eight PKR MPs following their criticism of controversial appointments in the judiciary that are perceived to tarnish the image of the government led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is also the PKR President.

The Pandan MP stressed that if PKR’s seats were reduced, the party’s seat count would be only slightly more than several other parties in the Madani Government coalition.

“Suspending nine MPs would leave PKR with 22 seats, a little less than DAP, Barisan Nasional (BN), and the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS),” he said.

Rafizi stated that the new generation of PKR branch leaders, who recently won in the party elections, need to understand that the party was not built by silencing voices.

He claimed that PKR appears dynamic because it always moves organically and allows anyone to raise public issues without adhering to hierarchy or party positions.

He noted that the party was previously popular with the public because it was the fastest and most vocal on public issues.

“That has been our practice, us old-timers, which led PKR to form a government and open opportunities for new leadership like these branch leaders to become prominent and hold positions.

“If you are not yet familiar with PKR’s culture, here’s some advice I want to share.

“Love your child by disciplining them. Love your spouse by giving them space. Love your country by providing constructive criticism,” he said.