PKR distances self from video on Agong, Muda says it's due to Covid-19 anger

 

While PKR appeared to distance itself from a video critical of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong by one of its members, the Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda) said it will offer legal aid to the PKR member Iswardy Morni and attributed the video to public anger over the management of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We believe the statement was made in anger due to the current situation. The people are under pressure.

“The key issue is the government’s failure in handling the Covid-19 pandemic, its attempt to hide behind the emergency and preventing Parliament from convening,” said Muda secretary-general Amir Abd Hadi in a statement.

Amir said Muda was prepared to offer legal assistance to Iswardy.

“In a situation where Parliament cannot convene, what is left is the people’s right to speak up which is guaranteed under the Federal Constitution,” he said.

Meanwhile, PKR communications director Fahmi Fadzil stressed that Iswardy does not hold any leadership position in PKR and was issued a stern warning.

“The party confirms that Iswardy is an ordinary member of the party registered with the Petra Jaya branch in Sarawak and does not hold any position in the leadership hierarchy of Sarawak PKR nor in its central leadership.

“These statements (Iswardy is alleged to have made) are not at all representative of the party’s stand as PKR is a party that upholds and defends the institution of the Malay rulers as stated in the party constitution.

“Iswardy’s speech in previous videos had been raised and discussed by the PKR political bureau and the decision was taken as early as last April to serve him with a stern warning,” Fahmi (above) added in a statement this morning.

PKR member Iswardy Morni

“The party has also warned him that it will not hesitate to take stern action including sacking him if he repeats the same act,” said the Lembah Pantai MP.

“However, as the Iswardy video issue has now become a case of investigation by the Royal Malaysian Police, the party will wait for the outcome of the investigation before taking further action against him,” Fahmi added.

Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (CID) acting director Dev Kumar confirmed that Iswardy has been remanded for two days, starting today, to assist investigations into the statements he made on YouTube, allegedly insulting the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

Dev told Bernama that the 45-year-old man was arrested at his house in Kajang at 11pm yesterday after police received 18 reports on the matter.

He said the case is being investigated under Section 4 (1) of the Sedition Act 1948, Section 504 of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998. - Mkini