“Hassan is very close to the prime minister, but party rules state that if a member is unhappy about certain issues, he should bring them up internally before going public,” Wong told FMT, referring to Anwar Ibrahim who is also the PKR president.

“Hassan has criticised the government many times before, and the prime minister accepts his right to criticise.

“However, if the criticism gravely injures the party image, then he should know better and consult the party internally. Only if he is still dissatisfied after such consultation can he then go public,” Wong added.

Hassan was summoned over his public criticism of the government, including the decision to award the rollout of the second 5G network to U Mobile.

According to a source, the Pasir Gudang MP was subsequently accused of smearing PKR’s image.

The source said Hassan was also accused by the party of insulting the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

PKR disciplinary board chairman Tan Yee Kew said a final decision on Hassan’s fate would be made by the top leadership.

Wong, a member of the PKR central leadership council, said he did not wish to prejudge the disciplinary hearing but that Hassan would “probably get off with a stern warning or, at most, a suspension”.

“PKR has a good history of differing views, but internal discipline must be upheld.”