Danyal’s decision a noble move, say Rafizi and Saifuddin

PETALING JAYA: PKR secretarygeneral Datuk Saifuddin Nasution has defended Datuk Danyal Balagopal Abdullah’s choice to vacate the Port Dickson seat, saying that such a “noble” move should not be likened to a betrayal of the voters.

Saifuddin said this was because plans to install Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as MP was being done in accordance to the democratic process, which is through the ballot box.

“Betrayal is when politicians steal the people’s money or enrich himself through his power and position.

“Anwar will return to be an MP and if he wins, he might become the eighth Prime Minister, as agreed upon by Pakatan Harapan.

“Such ‘noble’ intentions should not be akin to betrayal because this is done through a legitimate process,” he told reporters at the PKR’s headquarters in Merchant Square here yesterday.

Danyal, who was present during the press conference, maintained that despite his exit as Port Dickson MP, he would still help Anwar in serving the people.

“The word khianat (betrayal) is a bit too strong. I have campaigned for one and a half years and I come from a rural area. I have seen poverty.

“Today, I’m not vacating this seat out of enjoyment ... I will continue to serve the people of Port Dickson. He (Anwar) was a bit reluctant initially but I said I would continue to serve and all I need is your support.

“I’m not quitting my people. I will stay on in Port Dickson and I will be Anwar’s eyes and ears on the ground,” he said.

Rafizi, who was also present, expressed similar sentiments, saying that plans for Anwar’s return to Parliament were to fulfil Pakatan’s promise to voters, which was to have him as the prime minister eventually.

“Betrayal will be a recurring issue on this matter. But when Danyal made that decision, it came with his willingness to continue serving the people despite not being an MP.

“On that basis, ask yourself – if you are no longer an MP, will you be willing to continue serving the people? I think we have a rare person among us,” he said.

Saifuddin, the Kulim Bandar Baharu MP, said no compensation was offered to Danyal in return for the seat.

“There is none. That is the beauty of being a PKR member. We don’t have to worry about that.

“In fact, when Rafizi vacated the Pandan seat for Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, there is no compensation and he is a poor man now,” he quipped.

Betrayal is when politicians steal the people’s money or enrich himself through his power and position. Datuk Saifuddin Nasution