JOHOR BARU: Grateful that no disciplinary action was taken against him, Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Abdul Karim has vowed to be “wiser” with his words in the future.
The vocal Johor lawmaker, who was let off the hook after being brought before the PKR disciplinary board on Nov 21 for some of his remarks, believes the decision was out of respect for him as a veteran leader.
“I have always practised free speech since I was young. In contrast, I am older now, and I have to be wiser too.
“I have said what needs to be said. This incident has also taught me a lesson on what it means to be a party member and an MP.
“After hearing my side of the story, the disciplinary board decided on no action against me. I see this as respect for me.
“When others respect me, I should do the same to them,” he told reporters after visiting damaged roads in his constituency yesterday.
Hassan added it was the first time he was called up before the disciplinary board in his 50 years of involvement in party politics.
“At the end of the day, my intention is to ensure that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim administers not just this term but the terms to come, with the support of the people, if he is still able to,” said Hassan.
The MP was called before the disciplinary board for criticising the awarding of the second 5G network deal to U Mobile and comparing it with the rise of crony capitalism.
He had also been critical about Johor’s decision to revert its weekend break to Saturday and Sunday as well as the need for Umno to revamp its leadership.