Saifuddin Nasution downplays talk of PKR discord after Rafizi, eight others press for RCI on judiciary
Saifuddin, who is also PKR's secretary-general, was commenting on remarks from the MPs, including Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli, regarding judicial independence and government accountability.
'PKR is an open party. Views that are sharper than this have been expressed before and they were accepted,' he said at a press conference today, downplaying any suggestions of party discord.
'The party allows its members, including backbenchers, to voice different perspectives.'
Saifuddin characterised the MPs' statement as democratic, describing such discourse as a sign of democratic maturity rather than damaging dissent.
'That is their view. For some, it may seem strong, but we allow for freedom of expression in this party,' he added.
Yesterday, the PKR MPs called for an RCI to investigate allegations of interference in the judiciary and controversies surrounding judicial appointments, asserting a need to prevent a repeat of the damage to public trust from events like the 2007 VK Lingam tape scandal and the 1988 constitutional crisis.
When asked if the MPs' actions would reflect poorly on the party, Saifuddin noted that while they offered criticism, they also reaffirmed their support for the current administration.
'They continue to support the government. I've spoken with the party's political bureau, and we take all feedback seriously,' he added.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Malay Mail
2 minutes ago
- Malay Mail
In Dewan Rakyat today: Espionage threats, Formula 1 return, and food security
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 21 — Government efforts to counter espionage elements that could jeopardise national security, and Malaysia's ability to host Formula 1 (F1) again, are expected to take the spotlight in the Dewan Rakyat today. According to the Order Paper on Parliament's portal, Roy Angau Gingkoi (GPS-Lubok Antu) will ask the Home Minister to outline prevention and intervention measures to address espionage activities that threaten national security during the Minister's Question Time. At the same session, Oscar Ling Chai Yew (PH-Sibu) is set to ask the Youth and Sports Minister whether Malaysia can host F1 again, and the steps to maximise the utilisation of the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) so it delivers contributions and benefits to the nation. Datuk Dr Ahmad Marzuk Shaary (PN-Pengkalan Chepa) will seek clarification from the Prime Minister on whether direct-negotiation procurement is still being practised by Lembaga Tabung Haji, a statutory body under the purview of the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs). During the oral question and answer session, Rodiyah Sapiee (GPS-Batang Sadong) will ask the Agriculture and Food Security Minister about plans to position Sarawak as a food security hub under the new policy, in line with the successful implementation of the state's Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS 2030). Dr Halimah Ali (PN-Kapar) is set to ask the Works Minister about measures to address serious damage along key roads in the area, including links to factories and the access route to Northport, caused by frequent heavy-vehicle movements and indiscriminate roadside parking. Meanwhile, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob (BN-Bera) will ask the Health Minister about the current threat level of Covid-19 variants to high-risk groups, noting the country recorded 57 deaths last year. After the Q&A session, the sitting is scheduled to proceed with the first readings of the Legal Aid and Public Defence Bill 2025, the Urban Renewal Bill 2025 and the Atomic Energy Licensing (Amendment) Bill 2025. The House will then continue the winding-up of the debate on the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) motion by the relevant ministries. The current Dewan Rakyat meeting is scheduled to run for 24 days until Aug 28. — Bernama
The Star
an hour ago
- The Star
A path for foreign parents
A SPECIAL criteria is being drawn up to allow non-citizen spouses separated from their Malaysian partners but who have children with Malaysian citizenship, to be considered for an entry permit. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said this move will support the family institution. 'It ensures that foreign spouses will not be separated from their children who have Malaysian citizenship,' he said in a written parliamentary reply. He said foreign nationals married to Malaysian citizens are entitled to have a Long Term Social Visit Pass allowing them to reside in Malaysia. The pass, he said, can be used to apply for an entry permit from the Immigration Department and later present an application for Permanent Resident (PR) status. 'If the marriage ends either due to the spouses' death or separation, the pass will no longer be given,' he added. Saifuddin Nasution said the ministry has taken several steps to overcome challenges in applying for the entry permit and reduce the difficulty in getting it once a foreign national separated from their Malaysian partner. This includes resolving the backlog of 19,205 entry permit applications between 2013 and 2023. Of the number, 14,918 comprised wives to Malaysian citizens while 4,287 comprise husbands. 'The criteria for entry permits has also been updated where foreign wives of Malaysian citizens can submit their applications after being married for three years and held a spouse visa for at least one year. 'For foreign husbands of Malaysian citizens, applications may be submitted after the applicant has been married for five years and has held a spouse visa for five years,' he said. The minister said a six-month timeframe will also be introduced to consider and make decisions on entry permit applications. 'This new SOP will take effect from Sept 1 this year,' he told Dr Taufiq Johari (PH-Sungai Petani) who asked if the ministry was considering a special avenue allowing foreign nationals with Malaysian children to obtain PR status.
The Star
an hour ago
- The Star
Speeding up govt services
PUTRAJAYA: The Home Ministry is cutting down on bureaucratic hurdles in government service delivery, with a focus on modernising the National Registration Department (NRD), says Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. The Home Minister said the ministry aims to improve outdated rules and streamline processes that burden citizens and businesses. He added that the initiative has already made progress by reducing the processing time for late birth registrations for children under five years from three months to 45 days. Additionally, the issuance of overseas birth certificates, known as Form A, has been expedited from 52 days to just seven days. 'This initiative is introduced to improve outdated rules and burdensome bureaucratic processes. 'Whether for daily citizen affairs or business communities, the main objective is to reduce unnecessary bureaucracy, making processes easier and more efficient. 'Through this initiative, outdated regulations at the NRD, which do not match current developments, are reviewed to be more transparent, efficient and effective,' he told reporters after attending the ministry-level National Day and Malaysia Day celebrations, as well as its August monthly assembly here yesterday. Saifuddin Nasution also said that the ministry's 'Menyemai Kasih Rakyat' (Mekar) programme continues its outreach to assist individuals in obtaining identity cards, including for Malaysians overseas. He said that as of July 31, Mekar has successfully conducted 1,633 programmes nationwide, processing 24,863 applications. 'Instead of waiting for individuals to come to our office, we go out and find them,' he added. For Malaysians overseas, he said that the Mekar Diaspora programme would be extended to Australia and the United Kingdom. He said that Malaysians residing in these countries with documentation issues would not have to return home. 'Through the Mekar Diaspora initiative, we send NRD officers to countries with large Malaysian communities to provide these services directly,' he added. The programme is scheduled to be in Melbourne, Australia from Sept 14 to 28, followed by London, United Kingdom from Oct 5 to 17. Separately, in the Dewan Rakyat, Saifuddin Nasution revealed that more than 5,000 juvenile cases were recorded from 2023 to June this year. He said 5,633 cases were recorded during this period – with 2,006 in 2023; 2,442 last year; and 1,185 as of June this year. Selangor recorded the highest number of juvenile cases at 892, followed by Johor (731) and Perak (506). 'Those aged 16 to 18 made up the highest number of cases at 3,637. 'The lowest number of cases was from those aged between seven and 10, with 21 cases,' he said in a written reply yesterday. Saifuddin Nasution also said that scams such as job scams, parcel scams and love scams remain rampant in the country, even though agencies, including the police, Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, Bank Negara and private sector, have undertaken continuous outreach programmes. 'Although various initiatives and awareness campaigns have been implemented through forums, social media, exhibitions and talks, the trend of online scams has not shown a noticeable reduction,' he said in another parliamentary reply. He attributed the persistence of scams to four main factors – the constantly changing tactics of syndicates, low levels of digital literacy, the openness of digital platforms and challenges in cross-border enforcement. He said scammers frequently use fake identities and cloned websites to deceive victims, while many people, including the young and elderly, still lack understanding of such modus operandi.
