KUALA LUMPUR (March 13): Xavier Jayakumar — who had just announced his resignation from PKR and pledged his support for the government — was threatened by a senior minister with serious consequences if he did not support Perikatan Nasional (PN), claimed PKR’s secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
In a statement, he said Xavier had told the PKR leadership that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) had investigated him after it had previously arrested his political secretary, personal aide and a few of his associates in relation to an ongoing case.
He was then contacted by the unnamed senior minister who made the threats, added Saifuddin.
“As someone who has known Xavier Jayakumar for a long time, his actions and reasons for what he did in today’s statement raise various questions. However, what differentiates a true reformist from the rest is the ability to withstand tests in times of trouble and ease,” he said.
He said the announcement by the Kuala Langat MP came after Saifuddin had spoken a few weeks ago about concerted efforts by the government to obtain support from the opposition through rewards and threats by way of investigations by the police, Inland Revenue Board and the MACC.
Saifuddin said government agencies such as the commission was being used by an unidentified senior politician in the PN administration to shift support for Pakatan Haparan and the opposition to the coalition, which he said was an abuse of power.
“It is very clear that the minority government today is using the emergency as an excuse to suspend parliament and at the same time obtain the support of more MPs by using certain agencies, through rewards, pressure, and threats,” he added.
He urged all PKR MPs to stand strong and hold fast to the principles of the reformation without bowing to pressure.
“PKR and Pakatan Harapan will stay on course with preparation for the 15th general election and at the same time, work on returning the mandate to the people according to the laws and constitution,” he said.
This morning, Xavier had announced that he had resigned as a vice president and member of PKR, saying he would serve his constituency as an independent representative with immediate effect while supporting the government.
The Kuala Langat MP explained that he has grown increasingly frustrated and noted that while there are parties discussing the possibility of elections, it is not necessary or viable at this point in time.
According to him, the people want stability and to restart ailing economic sectors. As such, there needs to be a focus on working together, not against one another.