The division chiefs said the MPs’ actions not only breached party discipline and ethics, but also cast a negative light on the prime minister’s leadership and opened the door to political manipulation by rivals.
“We strongly urge party secretary-general Fuziah Salleh to immediately suspend the memberships of all nine MPs involved,” the group said in a joint statement.
The statement was endorsed by the PKR division chiefs for Mersing, Bakri, Pengerang, Seri Gading, Sembrong, Ayer Hitam, Muar, Iskandar Puteri, Pasir Gudang, Tebrau, Pontian, Kluang, Parit Sulong, Tanjung Piai, Pagoh, Segamat, Kota Tinggi, Labis and Pulai.
The group also urged Fuziah to initiate disciplinary proceedings against the nine MPs, comprising former party deputy president Rafizi Ramli, who is Pandan MP; Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad (Setiawangsa); Rodziah Ismail (Ampang); Wong Chen (Subang); Zahir Hassan (Wangsa Maju); Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik (Balik Pulau); Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh (Ledang); S Kesavan (Sungai Siput) and Onn Abu Bakar (Batu Pahat).
The division chiefs said they fully supported efforts to uphold the integrity of the judiciary, but the approach taken by the nine MPs violated party discipline and members’ code of ethics.
They cited several provisions in the code, including those on respecting party decisions, maintaining confidentiality, upholding the party’s reputation, and prohibiting sabotage of party decisions or its leadership.
“Firm action is necessary to safeguard the integrity of the party, restore organisational discipline, and avoid negative perceptions that could undermine party unity. Our party cannot afford to appear lax on matters of governance and internal loyalty,” they said.
The group said that any concerns related to national policy or governance should be raised through internal party channels such as the political bureau or the central leadership council.
On Tuesday, Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Karim warned the nine MPs that they must be prepared to face the consequences of their actions.
He said they must also consider the political implications of a public inquiry, including the pressure it could place on Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and the unity government.
Hassan also questioned whether the MPs had fully considered the long-term consequences of their actions, asking if they were driven by genuine reformist ideals or personal political interests.
Rafizi’s group had called for the establishment of a royal commission and a hearing by the parliamentary select committee following delays in the appointment of the chief justice, president of the Court of Appeal, which they said amounted to a constitutional crisis.