Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) could see its representation in Parliament shrink to just 22 seats if disciplinary action proceeds against nine of its Members of Parliament, according to Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli. The concern arises following internal calls for the suspension of MPs who had supported the establishment of a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) into matters involving the judiciary.
Rafizi, who previously served as the party’s deputy president, argued that taking punitive action against elected representatives for expressing concerns would not only fail to address internal dissatisfaction but also signal a lack of democratic space within the party. He pointed out that other MPs, known for their critical stance on the Prime Minister, had not faced similar consequences, raising questions about the consistency of internal discipline.
He also noted that the move would reduce PKR's parliamentary strength below that of several coalition partners within the Madani Government, such as DAP, Barisan Nasional (BN), and Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS). This, he warned, could alter the balance of influence within the ruling coalition.
There has been pressure from various PKR grassroots leaders, particularly from Johor and Kedah, urging the party leadership to suspend Rafizi and eight others over their recent stance. These MPs had raised concerns that certain judicial appointments may reflect poorly on the government, which is headed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is also PKR's president.
Referring to these internal criticisms, Rafizi cautioned against reacting emotionally to dissent and urged party leaders to reflect strategically, likening the situation to a game of chess where one must understand the rules before making moves.
He further stressed that the party’s credibility among the public had historically been tied to its vocal advocacy on key issues. Silencing voices within the party, he implied, would run counter to the very principles that helped PKR rise to prominence and eventually form part of the ruling coalition.
Rafizi also reminded the newer generation of PKR leaders—many of whom came into leadership roles through recent party elections—that the party was never built on silence or blind obedience. Instead, its strength lay in encouraging active discourse and representing public concerns without rigidly following hierarchy.
In his view, any move that curtails this culture risks weakening the party's standing both internally and with the broader electorate.
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