I’m prepared to be sacked for being outspoken, says PKR MP

Hassan Karim says this is the first time he has received such a strong rebuke from another party leader.

PETALING JAYA: PKR’s Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Karim says he is ready to face any disciplinary action, including being sacked, if the party deems it necessary due to his outspoken views on various issues.

“If defending my right to voice my opinions and express my thoughts is deemed a wrongdoing by the unity government, then I am prepared to be expelled by the party should the leaders deem it fit,” he said in a statement.

Hassan was responding to communications minister Fahmi Fadzil, who said the former’s remark that Umno needed a new face to lead the party was his personal view and did not reflect PKR’s official stance on the matter.

“He shouldn’t have made that statement. Don’t meddle in other parties’ business,” Fahmi was reported to have said.

“Hassan is a friend and a person I respect, but his way is not helping. If we do that, some parties will take advantage of it.”

Claiming that this was the first time he had received such a strong reprimand in his many years as a PKR member, Hassan said he was, however, not disheartened by it.

“Although the reprimand was made publicly, allow me to also openly state that there is no fear or intimidation on my part towards Fahmi,” he said, adding that Fahmi has the authority to do so as spokesman for the unity government and PKR information chief. - FMT