SHAH ALAM, July 18 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has no intention of taking action against several Parti Keadilan Rakyat MPs who have expressed differing views on certain issues, said Keadilan info chief Datuk Fahmi Fadzil.
Speaking to reporters after a closed meeting between Anwar and Selangor Keadilan leaders today, Fahmi said Anwar, who is Keadilan president, urged party members and branch leaders to respect those differing opinions and move forward together to strengthen the party.
“The prime minister has clearly stated that for a few MPs who differ in opinion on certain issues, he does not intend to take any action. They have the right to express their views. He has also asked all branch chiefs and party members to understand this and move on,” Fahmi said.
Fahmi, who is also communications minister, said that at the meeting, Anwar advised newly elected branch leaders to be inclusive when appointing their committee members.
“The prime minister emphasised that even those who lost in the recent party elections or who are not from their own camp should be included as part of a united team for the sake of the party’s overall strength,” he said.
Fahmi said Anwar also informed party leaders that the appointment of state leadership council chairs will be finalised before the end of the month, and instructed party machinery to start mobilising next month to boost grassroots support.
During the meeting, Fahmi said Anwar also addressed recent allegations around the appointment of the new chief justice and reiterated the process strictly adhered to provisions outlined in the Federal Constitution, and that the list of nominees submitted to the His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, and the Conference of Rulers, was prepared by the Judicial Appointments Commission.
“The prime minister only advised the King after consultations with the Conference of Rulers. The process fully complied with constitutional procedures,” said Fahmi, adding that Anwar clarified no judges were dismissed, in contrast to previous administrations.
Fahmi said Anwar also welcomed criticism from institutions such as the Malaysian Bar and Bersih over the judicial appointments, noting that what matters most is the continued independence of the judiciary.
“The prime minister stressed that the judiciary must remain free from interference, whether from the legislative or the executive branch,” said Fahmi.
Today’s meeting, which lasted nearly an hour, was attended by several senior Keadilan leaders, including vice-presidents Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari and Datuk Seri R. Ramanan, Keadilan Youth chief Muhammad Kamil Abdul Munim, and Keadilan Women’s head Fadhlina Sidek.
— Bernama
