Penang PKR warns members against betraying, tarnishing party

PKR Penang has warned its members and leaders not to openly declare their support, whether verbally or in writing via the media, or act in any manner which tarnishes the party.

In a statement today, state PKR chief Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik warned that stern disciplinary action would be taken on any media statements or activities to betray or tarnish the party's reputation.

Bakhtiar hit out at certain quarters within the party who were allegedly involved in the "politics of betrayal" of several divisions over the weekend.

He said the matter attracted much attention of the media which did not seek the leadership's clarification.

"These individuals made several announcements which openly betrayed the party, they attacked the party which stood firm on principles," Bakhtiar said.

"Seeing the statements made by these individuals, we would like to state firmly that there are inaccuracies about the number of members from each division who will, and has, left the party," he added.

"We have also received reports about a provocative video clip against the party's leadership," he stressed.

He was referring to party members in Penang aligned to sacked PKR deputy president Azmin Ali, declaring their resignation from the party.

Azmin is persona non grata in PKR now after last week where he launched what is known now as the "Sheraton Move", which put into motion the downfall of Harapan's 20-month-old administration.

This move, which involved the plan to include Umno and PAS in a new alliance, led to the resignation of Dr Mahathir Mohamad as prime minister.

The Pakatan Harapan government then collapsed with the withdrawal of Bersatu from the coalition.

Yesterday, Bersatu acting chairperson Muhyiddin Yassin took office as the eighth prime minister, with Umno, PAS and Azmin's faction in his team.

Meanwhile, Bakhtiar said the PKR members who quit had tarnished the party's good reputation and disciplinary action will be taken against those involved in the matter.

The Balik Pulau MP said the party supports any effort to unite members or corporate with allies in every state.

He added the party was committed to the people regardless of race and religion and focus on needs, including those of the Malay community, especially the farmers and fisherfolks.

"The PKR leadership and our members must learn a lesson from the political crisis which kicked off on Feb 23, which led to Pakatan Harapan losing federal power," Bakhtiar reminded.

"The voters' mandate in the 14th national polls were denied when certain political leaders from several parties engaged in the evil plan," he said.

"We condemned the action of those leaders which only benefitted a few, it is as if their action was not wrong, although it was carried out with dirty tactics and political strategy," he added.