PKR's Hassan should not cross red line

I can agree with Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Karim’s views most of the time.

He has often commented on controversial issues and some of his opinions were sensible and valid. Most times, I find no fault with them.

I think it’s good to have a senior MP like Hassan who is also a government backbencher from PKR, to speak up whenever necessary and in the interest of the governing coalition.

The crucial role of government backbenchers in the parliamentary process should not be underestimated. Their voices are essential in representing the views and concerns of their constituents and party members as well.

While government ministers and frontbenchers often dominate the spotlight, backbenchers have the opportunity to bring diverse perspectives to the table and hold the government to account.

Hassan definitely has an important role to play in and outside Parliament. But the MP should also be aware that the “important role” he has does not permit him to cross the red line.

Unfortunately, I find the recent comment from Hassan (above), suggesting that Umno should replace its president, Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, as uncalled for and an example of the MP crossing the red line.

On Jan 31, Hassan was reported as saying that Umno needed to be led by a fresh face and should not only ride on the “fragile" coat-tails of Pakatan Harapan.

It was a direct call (read an affront) to Umno members to replace its president to regain Malay voters’ confidence in the party.

Unwritten rule

Why do I disagree with such a statement, not the essence of it, but one coming from a serving MP in a component party of the governing coalition?

Let me put it this way. Imagine an Umno MP telling PKR to replace its president Anwar Ibrahim because he was slow to carry out the promised reforms or for other reasons. Surely, PKR members and Pakatan Harapan supporters would retaliate unkindly to such an offensive request.

PKR president Anwar Ibrahim

The fact is that Hassan is an MP from PKR, and there is this unwritten rule of non-interference in the affairs of other partners in the government. Hassan must surely know that such an understanding exists.

It’s a different matter if I, a writer and a non-party member, were to suggest that Zahid step down as Umno president. I do not wear the PKR badge and my statement will not ignite inter-party friction.

In any event, I see no necessity in badgering the Umno president at this point, seeing how he has been besieged with problems, both political and personal.

If you ask me, I do not see Zahid as the Umno president for longer than is necessary. Hence, I see no point in flogging a dead horse, or a dying one!

Anyone worth his salt, let alone a lawmaker, should be aware that interference in the internal affairs of other parties can be perceived negatively by the public, leading to a loss of credibility and support for the coalition government as a whole.

I believe that Hassan’s public rating must have taken a dip because of his callous action in asking Umno members to let go of their president.

That, to be as blunt as the MP usually is, is really none of Hassan’s business. From now on, I think that he should shut his trap if he has nothing positive to say about other parties, other than PKR, in the unity government.

Black and white needed

Perhaps, government spokesperson Fahmi Fadzil should issue a circular notifying all parties to respect the autonomy and integrity of coalition partners, emphasising that is crucial for maintaining the stability, effectiveness, and legitimacy of the Madani government.

It appears that there are even some senior party leaders who do not know or refuse to acknowledge, the existence of unwritten rules. Hence a written one, in black and white, may be necessary.

Fahmi, who is also communications minister, has issued a stern warning to Hassan to toe the party’s line but the unfazed lawmaker responded by saying that “the party could sack him if they wished to do so”.

I do not think that PKR would take any drastic action against Hassan. In fact, there is no need to for now.

However, I believe Hassan could sense that he would not be fielded by PKR to defend his seat in the next general election.

There is only as much as the PKR leadership could take.

Notwithstanding Hassan’s preference to play the role of a government critic, there is also the MP’s age to consider.

Hassan is already 73 and come the next general election, due in 2027, he will be 76. I believe that is the perfect time to call it a day in politics. - Mkini

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FRANCIS PAUL SIAH is a veteran Sarawak editor and heads the Movement for Change, Sarawak (MoCS). He can be reached at sirsiah@gmail.com.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of MMKtT.