Kedah PKR chiefs join chorus to suspend Rafizi, MPs over RCI push

Summary

• More PKR leaders throw their support behind the call to suspend Rafizi Ramli and eight other MPs over their RCI demand.

• Eleven Kedah party division chiefs reaffirm commitment to stand with Prime Minister and party president Anwar Ibrahim.

The push to suspend former PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli and eight other MPs over their demand for a royal commission of inquiry (RCI) into judicial appointments is gathering steam.

Hot on the heels of 19 division chiefs from Johor, 11 PKR division chiefs from Kedah have now thrown their support behind the call.

According to Harian Metro, the 11 division chiefs issued a joint statement accusing Rafizi and the eight lawmakers of crossing the line of party discipline.

They alleged the group had violated the PKR members’ code of ethics under Articles 10.1 and 10.2 of the party constitution, specifically, the obligation to uphold the party’s reputation, adhere to its decisions, and avoid acts of internal sabotage.

“We fully support the grassroots’ call for the immediate suspension of the memberships of the nine MPs and urge the party disciplinary committee to launch a comprehensive investigation and take appropriate action without delay.

“We also reaffirm our commitment to stand with the party president (Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim) and PKR leadership in continuing the reform agenda and strengthening national institutions,” they said.

The joint statement was issued by the division chiefs of Sik (Habib Ahmad Muhaiyuddin), Jerai (S Poobalan), Padang Terap (Tahar Hussin), Langkawi (Ismail Wasi Ahmad Shafawi), and Kubang Pasu (Azizi Azizan).

Also listed were the division chiefs of Kuala Kedah (Shakir Sheik Lukman), Baling (Chandar M Subramaniam), Pendang (Halim Khomiza), Jerlun (Rudzi Samsudin), Kulim Bandar Baharu (Yeo Keng Chuan), and Pokok Sena (Altab Pa Ibrahim).

Challenge to authority

According to the statement, the actions of the nine MPs did not reflect party solidarity and were instead perceived as a challenge to the authority of the president and the leadership structure.

“We believe the party's internal channels, such as the political bureau and central leadership council, exist specifically to discuss policy matters and governance concerns.

“Any action taken outside these channels not only violates party discipline but also opens the door for political exploitation by opponents eager to see PKR divided.

“PKR was built on the foundation of struggle, discipline, and solidarity. No one should act above the party. Any individual actions that undermine unity and public trust in the party must be addressed swiftly and firmly,” they said.

The division chiefs also urged PKR members - particularly in Kedah - to remain calm, not be swayed by misleading agendas, and to continue supporting Anwar’s leadership in championing the reform agenda for the people.

MPs’ demand

Apart from calling for an RCI, Rafizi and the eight MPs also demanded that a Parliamentary Special Select Committee (PSSC) be tasked with assessing judicial appointments.

They further urged the PSSC on institutional reforms to investigate the matter and summon Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to testify.

The eight MPs who joined Rafizi in the call were Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad (Setiawangsa), Rodziah Ismail (Ampang), Wong Chen (Subang), Zahir Hassan (Wangsa Maju), Bakhtiar Wan Chik (Balik Pulau), Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh (Ledang), Onn Abu Bakar (Batu Pahat), and S Kesavan (Sungai Siput).

Rafizi also appealed for a united Parliament to defend the dignity of national institutions, and sent letters to all MPs urging them to support the establishment of the RCI.

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