PETALING JAYA: A Selangor youth leader from the PKR has defended the party’s decision to issue a show-cause letter to Pandan Member of Parliament Rafizi Ramli (pic), describing it as a legitimate exercise of party discipline rather than a form of punishment.
In a statement on Thursday (Feb 26), Selangor PKR Youth head Muhammad Iman Haziq questioned why Rafizi appeared to be objecting to the disciplinary notice despite frequently criticising the party and publicly rebuking the PKR president on podcasts and various media platforms.
“Criticism is a right. But when criticism is made continuously to the point of affecting the party's top leadership, including the president, and giving the public the impression that the party is in crisis as a whole, then it is only right for the organisation to maintain discipline and internal order,” he said.
Iman stressed that political parties are not “independent platforms without responsibilities” and noted that, like other organisations, they have rules and disciplinary mechanisms that must be respected.
Citing the example of former Umno leader Khairy Jamaluddin, who previously faced strict action for allegedly breaching party discipline, Iman said no political figure should be surprised if a party acts in accordance with its constitution.
“In politics, every action has implications. Don’t be surprised when an organisation acts in line with its own constitution,” he said.
Iman likened the situation to an employee who constantly attacks their own company and supervisor in public.
“If every day he posts statements criticising the company and his boss publicly, to the point of tarnishing the organisation’s image, will the company remain silent, or will it call for an explanation?” he asked.
He emphasised that a show-cause letter should not be seen as a form of punishment but as an opportunity for the recipient to explain their actions.
“A show-cause letter is not a punishment. It is a space to respond,” he said, adding that it was “unfair” to portray the move as an act that tarnishes the party’s image.
Commenting on Rafizi’s indication that he may contest under a different banner in the next general election, Iman acknowledged that such a decision would be Rafizi’s personal right. However, he cautioned against framing the narrative in a way that downplays PKR’s collective contribution.
“Let’s not portray this party as having never made any contributions. Let’s not forget that this struggle was built by thousands of members and leaders at various levels, not through the efforts of just one individual. This party is bigger than any individual,” he said.
Iman urged any party leader or member wishing to “change direction” to do so “in an orderly and dignified manner” rather than creating a perception of being victimised for the party’s attempt to uphold internal discipline.
“There is no need to create a narrative as if you are being wronged just because the organisation is carrying out its responsibility to maintain discipline,” he said.
The show-cause letter to Rafizi, a prominent PKR figure and former party vice-president, has sparked public debate over the balance between internal party discipline and freedom of expression within political organisations in Malaysia.
