PETALING JAYA: Two PKR MPs who attended the recent political direction announcement by Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad have stressed that they remain committed to their respective constituencies and denied betraying the people’s mandate.
Ampang MP Rodziah Ismail said she had never and would never betray the trust placed in her by voters, stressing that the parliamentary seat belonged to the people and not to any individual or group.
“I wish to stress that I have never and will never betray the mandate of the people of Ampang.
“The trust given by the people is what I continue to uphold every day - in Parliament, on the ground with the community, in policy discussions and in any space that allows the voices of Ampang residents to be brought forward and defended,” she said in a statement on Tuesday (May 19).
Rodziah said Ampang needed stability, service and solutions rather than politics that deepened division and anxiety among the public.
She added that political stability must continue to be preserved so the government could focus on economic recovery, restoring public confidence and safeguarding people’s welfare.
The PKR lawmaker said she was aware of statements circulating regarding her position as Ampang MP, but chose to respond calmly and prudently as the public was now mature enough to distinguish between political perception and actual work carried out for the people.
Rodziah also said differing views and approaches should not be treated as betrayal in a mature democracy.
“Listening to differing opinions is not a mistake. Asking questions is not disloyalty. Thinking carefully before making decisions is also not betrayal,” she added.
Meanwhile, Wangsa Maju MP Zahir Hassan said his attendance at Rafizi and Nik Nazmi’s political direction programme at the Petaling Jaya Performing Arts Centre on Sunday (May 17) was merely to fulfil an invitation from long-time political allies.
“I attended on the basis of accepting an invitation from fellow comrades to witness the sharing of their future political direction,” he said.
Zahir said he respected the duo’s decision to vacate their parliamentary seats and to leave PKR, adding that he believed the move was made after thorough consideration rather than personal interest.
In his view, the actions taken by Rafizi and Nik Nazmi did not violate any law, particularly Article 49A of the Federal Constitution concerning the anti-party hopping provisions, nor any bond tied to PKR.
At the same time, he encouraged the public to examine Parti Bersama Malaysia’s (Bersama) agenda through its official website to better understand the movement’s direction and struggle.
“As the MP for Wangsa Maju, I remain committed to fully carrying out my responsibilities to the voters and people of Wangsa Maju,” he said.
