GEORGE TOWN: Embattled PKR assemblyman Fahmi Zainol has appealed to the party's top leadership to withdraw his suspension, warning that acting on unproven court charges could set a damaging precedent for the party’s future.
In an appeal letter sighted by The Star, addressed to party secretary-general Datuk Dr Fuziah Salleh, Fahmi said suspending a member based solely on charges that have yet to be decided in court risks undermining fundamental principles of justice and could open the door to possible abuse of process.
“If such an approach is adopted as standard practice, any party leader who is charged in court, regardless of the merit or foundation of the charge, could be automatically suspended before due legal process is concluded,” he said.
The letter dated March 3, was a response to a media statement by Fuziah, which stated that he had been suspended from all party positions with immediate effect until his court case is decided.
The letter was also copied to party president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, deputy president Nurul Izzah Anwar, and chief minister Chow Kon Yeow.
He said that as of now, he has yet to receive any formal letter of decision pursuant to Clause 42.1 of the party constitution, but submitted his appeal to ensure that all processes are carried out in accordance with party rules.
Fahmi clarified that he holds only one party position, as a member of the state leadership council (MPN), under Clause 27.3(k) of the PKR constitution.
He said the position is ex-officio in nature and directly tied to his status as the Pantai Jerejak assemblyman.
“As my status as Pantai Jerejak assemblyman remains unchanged, it follows technically and under a proper constitutional interpretation that my ex-officio position in the state MPN should not be affected,” he said.
Citing Clauses 41.6 and 41.7 of the party constitution, Fahmi said the central leadership council’s power of suspension generally applies either pending a decision of the disciplinary board or after a finding of misconduct.
“To the best of my knowledge, there is no clear provision that permits suspension solely on the basis of a court charge that has yet to be adjudicated,” he said.
Fahmi added that he believes the charges against him are unfounded and pledged to fully cooperate with the legal process to clear his name.
Earlier, Fahmi who was charged with voluntarily causing hurt to his wife, had been suspended immediately from all party positions until the conclusion of his court case.
