Hassan: 9 PKR MPs' call for RCI signals 'loss of confidence' in Anwar

Summary

• Hassan Karim says PKR MPs’ RCI demand raises serious questions about Anwar Ibrahim’s integrity and indicates an internal revolt within PKR.

• Despite his strong critique, the Pasir Gudang MP reaffirms his confidence in Anwar as prime minister and his commitment to defending the government and Anwar's position.

A veteran PKR lawmaker has claimed that the call by former deputy president Rafizi Ramli and eight other party backbenchers for a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) into judicial appointments is a sign they have lost confidence in Anwar Ibrahim.

Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Karim told Malaysiakini that the RCI demand raises serious questions over the prime minister’s integrity and signals an internal revolt within PKR.

“The nine MPs’ demand for an RCI means they no longer trust Anwar,” said Hassan (above).

He added that Anwar, as a prime minister with extensive constitutional powers, now finds himself in a position where he must be investigated by the very mechanism the MPs are demanding.

In calling for the RCI yesterday, Rafizi raised concerns that a new judicial appointments scandal is shaping up, in the same vein as the VK Lingam episode in the mid-2000s, which led to the eventual formation of the Judicial Appointment Commission (JAC) in 2009.

Apart from mooting the RCI, Rafizi and the PKR MPs, many of whom had contested the March party polls as a part of his "Hiruk" team, also called on Anwar to face a Parliamentary Special Select Committee proceeding.

‘Elephant in the room’

Hassan further said that while an RCI can only be formed with the cabinet’s agreement, any refusal to do so would further damage the prime minister’s image.

“The issue raised by the nine MPs is legitimate and meritorious. It has become the elephant in the room,” he said.

He described the move as “progressive, radical and popular among the people”, but acknowledged that it comes with political risks.

“Are these nine MPs ready to face the possible downfall of Anwar Ibrahim for demanding an RCI?” Hassan asked.

Apart from Rafizi (Pandan), the other MPs are Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad (Setiawangsa), Wong Chen (Subang), Rodziah Ismail (Ampang), Zahid Hassan (Wangsa Maju), Bakhtiar Wan Chik (Balik Pulau), Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh (Ledang), S Kesavan (Sungai Siput), and Onn Abu Bakar (Batu Pahat).

Rafizi said he believes Anwar has nothing to hide, and at the same time denied attempts to allege executive interference in top judicial appointments.

Hassan described the MPs’ action as a healthy example of parliamentary democracy in action, but warned it also reflects an internal revolt against Anwar as both party president and head of government.

“Anwar is now on the defensive, and the Madani government is growing weaker and losing integrity,” he said.

He noted that the MPs may be acting in the long-term interest of the nation and in defence of PKR’s reformist ideals, even if it means challenging Anwar’s leadership.

“Their action is the most direct, intense, and courageous challenge yet – and it comes from mostly senior MPs,” he said.

The nine PKR lawmakers' demands include for the RCI to probe allegations of judicial interference that implicated a senior federal court judge.

The group also wanted the RCI to investigate allegations that the government did not act on the JAC proposals made prior to former chief justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat's retirement last week, including on nominees for her successor and the Court of Appeal president.

'Call for wisdom, but support for Anwar remains'

Hassan said the prime minister must handle the situation with wisdom upon his return from abroad, noting that judicial independence is not a small matter.

“This is a very serious issue,” he said.

However, despite his sharp critique, Hassan stressed that he would continue to support Anwar’s leadership.

“As the MP for Pasir Gudang, I still have confidence in Anwar Ibrahim as prime minister and will defend his government and his position,” said Hassan.

Various opposition leaders had urged Anwar to take leave or resign as prime minister while the RCI convened to probe the allegations.

Earlier today, the Attorney-General's Chambers downplayed concerns raised by the PKR lawmakers, prompting pushbacks from lawyers.

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