MPs have the right to criticise their own party
YOURSAY | 'PKR is on the path towards self-destruction under Anwar.'
Quit if you're no longer aligned with party, Subang PKR tells MP
EmEmKay: In the realm of politics, the pressures can be overwhelming.
As representatives, politicians often bear the weight of their constituents' hopes and frustrations.
A holiday, especially one designated for thoughtful reflection, is not only deserved but necessary.
Subang MP Wong Chen's time away offers him the chance to recharge mentally and emotionally while considering the direction of his political career amid continuous demands and expectations.
He has not shied away from discussing the realities facing the Pakatan Harapan coalition and the government.
He has rightly pointed out that many reforms promised by PKR remain unfulfilled, and as we reach the halfway mark of the federal government's mandate, it is crucial to assess what has been accomplished and what lies ahead.
His statements underscore the need for accountability - not only for party supporters but for the Malaysian people who desire tangible improvements in governance.
The acknowledgement of the gap between promises and performance highlights Wong's commitment to genuine progress.
By speaking truthfully about the shortcomings of his party, he aims to spur necessary conversations that could ultimately lead to constructive change.
Some within the PKR grassroots might feel frustrated with him for his candidness, but it is essential to realise that speaking the truth is not a fault but rather a responsibility.
Open dialogue about the challenges faced by the party cultivates an environment where constructive criticism can flourish.
Wong's reflection on these issues is rooted in his desire for the party to succeed and fulfil its commitments to the people.
PKR activists and supporters should understand that his honesty aims to strengthen the party and not undermine it.
His insight into the current state of PKR and the Madani government should be recognised as a courageous step toward fostering accountability and progress.
As he reflects on his political future, one can hope that his experience abroad will empower him with a renewed focus on how best to serve the people of Subang and contribute to Malaysia's political landscape.
Meerkat: Wong is still aligned with the original PKR aspirations. If he's now deemed as not aligned with the party, it's only because the party has shifted.
The party should do a lot of soul-searching and get back on track. Otherwise, it will lose the support of many.
Sure, they won't vote for Harapan, but they are not obliged to vote for Subang PKR deputy chief Dr Wan Hasifi Amin Wan Zaidon either.
PurpleJaguar0553: Why should Wong quit? He was elected by the people based on PKR's promise of reforms. If PKR president Anwar Ibrahim is unable to or fails to fulfil this promise, then the MPs are entitled to demand an answer and question him on his failure.
These unelected PKR divisional leaders should understand that MPs owe a duty to the public, not the party.
When the party fails to live up to its promises to the public, they have every right and a duty to raise this.
Anwar's minions seem to be working overtime to shut down all dissent within PKR. The effort is bound to fail.
The non-Malays already realise PKR's failure and that this party is a family dynasty.
The non-Malay vote is going south, and Harapan will fall in the 16th general election unless promises are fulfilled.
GP2025: Country undergoing a reform process? What a laugh! What reforms can it boast about? This is enabling unqualified people without the support of the majority to seize power.
Is that acceptable to reformists? What a joke.
Anyway, I'm in your constituency, Wan Hasifi. You won't get my vote, but Wong might.
BluePanther4725: Why can't a PKR MP criticise his own party? Seems like PKR only wants Pak Turuts (yes men).
PKR has lost all its vision for 'reformasi' and does not practise democracy. PKR is rapidly morphing into Umno.
PKR is getting rid of those who dare to speak out, like former deputy president Rafizi Ramli, former vice president Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, and now Wong Chen.
PKR is on the path towards self-destruction under Anwar.
RedMarlin1833: PKR was always the 'weakling' in a few coalitions it was in before.
Not much grassroots support, and now it is going to face a huge backlash in the next general election!
The infighting continues, and now another one in the party will probably give up his post. Good luck!
Pink: Endless fight for positions in PKR. I heard that Anwar would spend more time with the party to meet and consolidate the grassroots. This does not seem to be happening.
This is what happens when the mission for reforms is no longer firmly upheld by the members.
Nothing in common to hold them together.
Every man fights for himself to grab the war loot. The process of attrition has started in the party.
Gasinggeorge: You could easily defend his points, but the truth is that he came out criticising his party while at the same time announcing planned reflections on his career at an expensive foreign retreat.
This is weird, to say the least.
OrangeJaguar9341: Rejecting hard truths and then maligning the person who expressed them is immature and pathetic.
Those in PKR who want to continue to live in a fantasy Madani-ville should not be so threatened by those who are more evaluative and realistic.
The above is a selection of comments posted by Malaysiakini subscribers. Only paying subscribers can post comments. In the past year, Malaysiakinians have posted over 100,000 comments. Join the Malaysiakini community and help set the news agenda. Subscribe now.
These comments are compiled to reflect the views of Malaysiakini subscribers on matters of public interest. Malaysiakini does not intend to represent these views as fact.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
26 minutes ago
- New Straits Times
Nik Nazmi mum on cabinet role after resignation
KUALA LUMPUR: Setiawangsa member of parliament Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad declined to comment on whether he is reconsidering his resignation as the natural resources and environmental sustainability minister. This comes after Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday expressed hope that Nik Nazmi and Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli would reconsider their resignations from their ministerial portfolios. "No comment," he told reporters after the launch of Royal Selangor Eco Week 2025 this morning. Nik Nazmi said he attended the event in his capacity as Setiawangsa MP, not as a minister. He said the invitation was extended before his resignation, and he attended because the Royal Selangor Visitor Centre is located within his constituency. In his speech, he said he specifically wore a short-sleeved shirt to ease into less formal engagements as an MP. "I will have more time to spend when I go to my new job of being an MP again," he said. On March 28, Nik Nazmi resigned as minister of natural resources and Environmental Sustainability after economy minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli resigned the day before. The resignations came after both ministers failed to defend their posts in PKR's central election. Nik Nazmi also failed to retain his position as Setiawangsa PKR chief in the party's divisional polls.
The Star
an hour ago
- The Star
Anwar hopes Rafizi and Nik Nazmi will rethink decision to quit Cabinet
PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim wants to give Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad more time to reconsider their decision to quit the Cabinet. "Let them think it over... If possible, I (want) them to rejoin (the Cabinet). "The (resignation) letters have been received, but I have not accepted their resignations," he told Sinar Harian after a closed-door seminar and engagement session with PKR members in Melaka on Thursday (June 12). Rafizi quit as economy minister while Nik Nazmi resigned from the natural resources and environmental sustainability portfolio following their defeats in the PKR central leadership elections last month. At Thursday's event, Anwar urged party members to strengthen their ties with one another, putting aside any dissatisfaction with the election results. He said members should be open-minded and put aside differences of opinion that came up during the election for the sake of the party's agenda. 'Did you imagine that I could work with Umno? (Party members) have to move on for the greater agenda. "If I can work with (a former rival), then I can also work with friends who have different opinions," he said. In another development, Anwar said the government will cover the expenses of former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad for attending the 30th Nikkei International Forum in Japan in May. He said the government allocated RM486,000 after receiving an application from Dr Mahathir to attend the conference in Tokyo. "There are regulations that allow the Prime Minister to approve (the travel of other former prime ministers)... he requested it (and) if the Prime Minister approves, the government will pay," he added. Anwar said that, despite often being critical of the unity government, the former prime minister had the right to apply for allocations, subject to approval. "I don't want anyone to misunderstand... I also don't want to be negative about it, even though he 'attacks' us every day. We still approved it," Anwar added. On May 30, Dr Mahathir delivered a speech at the forum, which discussed the economy, technology and future of Asia.
Borneo Post
an hour ago
- Borneo Post
Sarawak federation calls for delay of SST expansion, suggests GST be reintroduced
Datuk Richard Wee KUCHING (June 13): The Sarawak Federation of Chinese Associations (SFCA) has called on the federal government to delay the implementation of its expanded Sales and Service Tax (SST). The expanded SST policy is scheduled to take effect on July 1. SFCA president Datuk Richard Wee suggested a more measured approach should be considered in view of the uncertainty of US President Donald Trump's tariff war against most countries. 'Until the tariff negotiation is finalised between Malaysia and the USA, our government should not burden the rakyat and the business community further. 'Although such expansion of the SST excludes essential goods, the other affected categories will definitely be impacted. And if it is implemented now, there is a possibility that a further adjustment of prices will need to be imposed,' he said when contacted. Wee said expanding the SST would increase the nation's coffers at the expense of the business community, people, and Malaysian economy. He suggested the Goods and Services Tax (GST) be reintroduced instead. 'For the longer term, the federal government should reconsider the re-introduction of GST, as GST is a more efficient taxation system and if all major countries have similar system in place, there is no reason why Malaysia could not do the same,' he explained. Early last year, the Institute of Strategic Analysis and Policy Research (Insap) suggested the federal government should reintroduce the GST in place of SST. Institute chairperson Datuk Dr Pamela Yong had said this was in view of the government's attempt to boost its revenues with the introduction of the Low Value Goods (LVG) and the still on-hold High Value Goods (HVG) taxes. 'Through our dialogues with the various business associations, GST is still the preferred choice of taxation system due to its transparency and fairness,' she said in a statement. She pointed out the abolishment of the GST in 2018 resulted in a significant revenue shortfall. 'The GST generated a robust RM44 billion in 2017, contributing significantly to the national coffers. It has been estimated that the GST had it not been abolished it would have collected around RM63.5 billion instead of RM35.8 billion in 2024,' she said. Insap also stated the SST and LVG disproportionately impact vulnerable groups. The institute said by focusing on specific goods and services, these measures often place an undue burden on lower-and middle-income groups (B40 and M40) who rely on those goods and services, contradicting the government's stated goal of promoting social equity and inclusive economic growth. 'GST is well-recognised in many advanced countries to have far better outcomes in terms of collection due to its broadband nature,' Yong said, opining it was a grave mistake to have abolished the GST in 2018. 'The priority is to address the people's burden in having to face a downturn in the global economy. This requires stimulus packages and additional fiscal spending, which could have been well supplemented by the GST, had it not been put to an end by Pakatan Harapan 1.0. 'It is time for Malaysia to put political expediency in the back seat, swallow our pride, and re-instate the GST for the sake of the people,' she stated. GST lead Richard Wee Sarawak Federation of Chinese Associations SST
