KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 27 ― PKR secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has called on party members today to hold on tight to the principles despite alleged offers and threats from political rivals.

He suggested that the attempts to lure PKR MPs to defect came right as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s decreed that Parliamentcan sit during the Emergency, even as Perikatan Nasional (PN) is said to have lost its majority.

"PKR is aware that there are planned measures that are being undertaken by certain parties to weaken the strength of the people's representatives, especially the Opposition MPs, including from PKR,” he said in a statement.

"This is being done with a threat and bait approach whether it is related to income tax issues, police investigations and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission or through project offers and positions in government-linked companies.

"This happens when the current government has lost the support of the majority in Parliament, and in the case of a Parliamentary session can be held during the Emergency in force,” he added.

Saifuddin also accused the PN government of losing its grip on education, employment, and public health policies.

"At the same time, it is clear in the eyes of many that the government is now unable to solve the various problems of the people, whether related to education, employment, or public health.

"Therefore, PKR condemns the desperate move to make PKR MPs leave the party to become independent or join the government party, either through threats or gifts,” he said.

Earlier this week, it was reported that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong has decreed that Parliament could reconvene even during the Emergency period, upon the advice of Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

PKR’s Tebrau MP Steven Choong had also recently denied that he was joining the PN coalition, after he was seen frequenting the ministers’ office.