KUALA LUMPUR — A heated exchange erupted between PKR vice-president Datuk Seri R. Ramanan Ramakrishnan and Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Abdul Karim at the start of the party’s Johor convention on Sunday.
The confrontation began during Ramanan’s speech, when he criticised former deputy president Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli, accusing him of attacking the party and questioning the Pandan MP’s performance as Economy Minister.
Hassan, visibly upset, stood from his seat and fired back, saying it was unfair to target Rafizi as he was not present to defend himself.
“You are new to this party and should learn the ways we operate. Positions within the party do not automatically make you entitled,” Hassan told the audience, adding that members’ criticism should be constructive and aimed at strengthening PKR rather than creating division. He also challenged Ramanan to a debate through proper channels instead of using the convention as a platform for personal disputes.
Ramanan, who is also Sungai Buloh MP, responded sharply, insisting that Hassan should defend the party.
“YB, you should defend the party. This party is our house. If you want to save the party, then you should not attack the party. That is not fair,” he said, receiving applause from the audience, reported The Star.
In his speech, delivered in the presence of Prime Minister and PKR President Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Ramanan emphasised that the party cannot afford internal squabbles that weaken public confidence in the government. He highlighted that the strength of PKR lies in unity and discipline at all levels, and that differences of opinion should be resolved internally.
“This is not the time to exchange statements externally. Every difference of opinion must be handled internally to maintain the party’s strength,” he said.
Ramanan also stressed that in an uncertain global economic environment, political stability and public trust begin with cohesion within the party. He called on all PKR machinery in Johor to prepare thoroughly, strengthen the organisation, and move as a united team to ensure electoral success. — April 5, 2026