Port Klang state assemblyperson Badrul Hisham Abdullah today said that he is quitting PKR with immediate effect to become a BN-friendly Independent.

NONE He however ruled out quitting as an elected representative, stating that PKR cannot make him resign from that post.

"I'm elected by the public," he told a press conference at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur today.

He said he was not threatened or coerced into making the decision to quit PKR or to support BN.

He also denied that he was involved in an accident and undergoing psychiatrist treatment to the extent of being unable to take care of his constituency.

Badrul attributed these allegations to Menteri Besar Abdul Khalid Ibrahim, whom he claimed had also challenged his mental capacity.

"His (Khalid's) actions, as a PKR leader, was immoral," he said, while reading from a prepared text.

Badrul further denied that he had not replied a show-cause letter from Khalid and claimed that he had replied on Sept 2.

He said he has an acknowledgment of receipt from Khalid's office as well as the PKR secretary-general over the letter.

"Selangor MB Khalid has no right to make such allegations," he said.

Khalid is not bothered

NONE Badrul was flanked his sunglasses-clad wife Ramiza

Mazlan ( photo, centre ) and former PKR Selangor secretary Nizam Rosli, a close ally of former PKR youth chief turned Umno member Mohd Ezam Noor at the press conference.

The press conference came just hours after Khalid recommended to PKR that the non-performing Badrul be asked to resign from his elected post.

A statement from the MB's office this morning said that the state government was aware of the mounting complaints from the people of Port Klang over Badrul's non-performance.

"Since he was issued a show-cause letter dated Aug 20, 2008, Badrul has made no efforts to improve his work.

"Despite stating his willingness to meet state and party leaders, he continues to be evasive in meeting state and party leaders.

azlan "He has also refused to answer calls or SMSes and has not re-opened his service centre for the people in Port Klang," added the statement which was sent out by Khalid's political secretary Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.

The statement added that the state government will not tolerate incompetent and irresponsible leaders.

In a later development, Khalid was quoted in the media as saying that he was not bothered if Badrul became an independent representative or supported the BN.

He said the state government will ensure the welfare of the people in Port Klang will not be affected by Badrul’s decision to quit PKR.

"A team will be formed to represent the state at the constituency to ensure that the residents are properly served."

Najib backs Badrul

Meanwhile Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak said it was not Khalid's prerogative to instruct Badrul to resign.

azlan "The state assemblyperson can decide on his own. He may not want to resign," he said.

Selangor opposition leader Khir Toyo however said Umno would welcome Badrul into the party. The former Selangor MB also chided Khalid for not giving more time to Badrul to improve.

"If he comes to BN we will give him the opportunity to serve," said Khir, as quoted by the Star Online .

He had also questioned as to why PKR had allowed Badrul to contest for the seat if he was not good.

Earlier this month, Badrul's appearance at Klang Umno chief Mazlynoor Abd Latif's Hari Raya open house raised questions about his party loyalty.

Badrul won the seat in the 2008 general election on the back of great dissatisfaction against controversial former Umno state assemblyperson Zakaria Md Deros, by a majority of 4,407 votes.

His defection would not have a grave impact on Pakatan's control in the state as it still has a 14-seat majority.

Badrul is the fifth elected opposition politicians to have 'defected' to BN. He joined three Perak state reps (two PKR and one DAP) and one Kedah PKR state rep to become BN-friendly Independents.

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