PKR tell-all not personal, merely truth, says Hishamuddin Rais

Nabihah Hamid Nabihah Hamid Updated 7 years ago · Published on 7 Sep 2018 7:00AM · 4 Comments

Hishamuddin Rais says while he may not have personally witnessed the events he has written about, he is close to those who participated in the events. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Nazir Sufari, September 7, 2018.

HISHAMUDDIN Rais’ essays on PKR politicising cabinet appointments are truthful accounts and nothing personal.

The political activist, who has gone from being a fierce critic to a firm supporter of Dr Mahathir Mohamad, told The Malaysian Insight he set down the events to serve as a reminder against their recurrence.

The essays include an account of PKR president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail’s objection to the appointment of Lim Guan Eng as finance minister, and that she had wanted Rafizi Ramli for the post.

“I have no intentions to tarnish (the name of Dr Wan Azizah),” said Hishamuddin.

“What I hope is for this become a reference so that we don’t repeat such things again.”

The former ISA detainee maintained that his accounts were true and not fabricated, as alleged by PKR president Anwar Ibrahim.

“I may not be there but I am close to those who participated in these chapters. And I have credible sources,” he said.

In a series of articles published on Malaysiakini, Hishamuddin said there were efforts to prevent Dr Mahathir from becoming prime minister from the moment Pakatan Harapan won the 14th general election.

In his latest writings, Hishamuddin said Dr Wan Azizah had boycotted meetings after Dr Mahathir refused to give in to her demand for PKR vice-president Rafizi to be named finance minister.

Dr Wan Azizah was notably missing from the press conference where Dr Mahathir announced Lim was the finance minister.

The same evening, Rafizi issued a media statement claiming the appointment had been made without consultation with PKR.

Hishamuddin said he felt it was his duty to reveal the truth and to document the events as part of history.

“I want to give background to the people; what I am doing is showing this chapter in history and I am weaving it into a narrative that everyone can understand.”

“If it is perceived to be wrong, then it would appear that Pakatan Harapan is no different from the previous government.”

Hishamuddin was one of the leading figures in the Reformasi movement sparked by the sacking of Anwar as Dr Mahathir’s deputy. The activist spent years imprisoned under the Internal Security Act.

Last year, Hishamuddin surprised many people when he openly threw his support behind Dr Mahathir as “the only one” apart from Anwar who was able to lead the Pakatan Harapan pact to victory and to lead the country subsequently. –  September 7, 2018.

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Comments

  • I have problems with definition of Reforms and Reform Agenda. While Dr M is Capitalistic in Nature, on the back of good values : what is Anwar's ? Capitalistic Islamist , perhaps ? I dont know. But its worrying when terms such as Reforms, been aired quite regularly. Sampai pecah anak telinga dengar perkataan itu.

    Posted 7 years ago by [email protected] · Reply

    • It is out of context when one is Islamic and quite impossile to completely comprehend the capaitalistic rationale in set up. Do see the big differences between the old man and Anwar. The Islamic faith for the old man is in heart and not in the office for applications eventho' there are some charade to please others but never stamp its mark in his political and economic decisions. On the other hand it is widely use by the next PM to be in every aspect whether it fits perfectly into the role in governing the country. Reformasi cries are nice to shout but it will be in conflict with the Islamic administrations. So it is just a sandiwara. Tell me what reforms has been in placed???

      Posted 7 years ago by Lee Lee · Reply

  • Who cares la wahai Hishamuddin! You are just one of those umno idiots who just caraves for publicity! Nobody gives a rats ass about what you wrote

    Posted 7 years ago by Azlee Ahmad · Reply

  • This is a recycled story! Why is MI up to? Why publish this again and create controversy?

    Posted 7 years ago by Thiruchelvam Thirunavukarasu · Reply