PSM hails Rafizi's team of 9 PKR MPs who break rank by calling for RCI to avert judiciary crisis
Such action of breaking rank from the party whip is an important democratic right of an elected MPs which is hardly practiced in the Malaysian democracy as party reps are bound by party discipline, according to PSM deputy chairman S. Arutchelvan
'Currently it seems thatr only (Pasir Gudang MP) Hassan Karim leverages his conscience vote,' observed Arutchelvan in a reaction to the Rafizi-led nine PKR MPs (including himself) calling for a royal commission of inquiry (RCI) to probe allege irregularities in the appointment of senior judges, including the Chief Justice.
'While I concur that party discipline is essential for a party yet on serious issues of public interest such as the freedom of judiciary, it is essential for MPs to vote according to their conscience or have a mechanism in their own parliamentary set-up to seek feedback from their electorate.'
The nine PKR MPs also formally requested that proceedings and an inquiry be conducted by the Parliamentary Special Select Committee on Human Rights, Elections and Institutional Reform, including top government officials to testify.
They are Rafizi; Setiawangsa MP Nik Nazmi Kik Ahmad; Subang MP Wong Chen; Ampang MP Rodziah Ismail; Wangsa Maju MP Zahir Hassan; Balik Pulau MP Datuk Bakhtiar Wan Chik; Ledang MP Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh; Sungai Siput MP S. Kesavan; and Batu Pahat MP Onn Abu Bakar.
Stressing as to why it is essential and critical that the Malaysian judiciary is independent and robust, Arutchelvan added:
'We also need to have the long overdue separation of the Attorney-General (AG) and the Public Prosecutor which is said to be sitting in the cabinet but not put to parliament yet.
'With all these matters pending, we hope all MPs in the Parliament vote with their conscience to safeguard our pillars of democracy. We have walked this path before and we hope the current PM will adhere to these aspirations.' – July 7, 2025
Main image credit: Malay Mail
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