Harapan has party discipline, Fahmi tells Surendran

Pakatan Harapan communications director Fahmi Fadzil today reminded lawyer N Surendran to practise party discipline when expressing discontent.

This comes after the former PKR vice-president openly criticised Harapan leaders for being silent on the sedition probe against former Damansara MP Tony Pua.

“Surendran is an old friend who used to stay in my constituency. However, for some reason, he was not nominated to contest in the recent election.

“Nevertheless, I take note of his opinion.

“In PKR and Harapan we hold onto principles, but at the same time, we also have party discipline,” Fahmi said during a press conference at the Communications Ministry in Putrajaya today.

He was asked to respond to Surendran, who took to X to vent his frustrations with Harapan leaders yesterday.

Ex-PKR veep N Surendran

Surendran had lamented the “shameful” silence of Harapan leaders on the probe against Pua under the Sedition Act 1948, over his Facebook posts criticising the Pardons Board’s decision to reduce former premier Najib Abdul Razak’s prison sentence.

“Sedition probe on Pua, yet Harapan/DAP mostly silent - quite shameful.

“How low my old comrades have sunk,” Surendran posted on X.

Street protests

The communications minister also commented on Bersih’s announcement earlier today, where it expressed readiness to mobilise street protests to push the government into implementing its reform agenda.

“This statement (by Bersih) was made just now, so we take note of it.

“We respect the view by Bersih, but we have yet to discuss the matter in the cabinet,” he said.

According to Fahmi, the government has already formed a committee to study and execute the government agenda or manifesto.

“I believe what was said by the NGO and members of the public will be taken into account by the committee, which is the best platform to discuss this matter.”

At a press conference earlier, Bersih chairperson Muhammad Faisal Abdul Aziz said it will embark on a nationwide roadshow to educate the public on its demands to the government, including for institutional reforms.

“If Bersih is to hold a demonstration, it would be more impactful if the public understood the reason to take to the streets.

“To have a demonstration, planning is needed, and grassroots work is crucial to build momentum and ensure the public is with us,” he said. - Mkini