Hulu Selangor PKR division treasurer Dr Halili Rahmat has announced his resignation from PKR, saying he intends to join Umno.

When making the announcement this morning, Halili (right) was accompanied by former PKR secretary-general Salehuddin Hashim, who has been a familiar presence at a string of defections from the party since February.

Throughout the hastily-called press conference in Petaling Jaya, Halili, a neurosurgeon, was seen referring to Salehuddin in fielding questions.

He was overheard asking if an answer was all right, or what he should say. At times, he appeared nervous, taking big gulps of water before answering questions.

NONE At the outset, Halili attributed his decision to a claim that the party no longer abides by its founding principles.

"It is being dominated by a small leftist faction within the party. Its emphasis is on power and not looking after the welfare (of the people)," he said, reading from a prepared statement.

He claimed to have witnessed how the previous MP, the late Dr Zainal Abidin Ahmad, and the party had failed to live up to the people's expectations.

"As a Hulu Selangor native who still stays in Ulu Yam, it has been difficult for me to defend PKR's credibility, in view of the party failing to do anything for the people here over the past two years.

NONE "I understand that Zainal Abidin (left) was ill but what is strange to me is that PKR did not render any assistance to the voters here. This should not have happened and I have told the villagers in my kampong to ensure this does not happen again.”

Halili's resignation is expected to deal a blow to PKR's Hulu Selangor by-election campaign because he was among those the party had considered as a candidate before picking Zaid Ibrahim.

While Halili’s resignation may seem to be an act of revenge, he claimed that he had not even sought to be a candidate.

“I have never asked or offered to be a candidate in this by-election. I have never said that I had accepted any invitation to become a candidate even though certain PKR leaders suggested it.”

‘No gratification’

Responding to a barrage of questions, Halili explained the timing of his decision, among other issues. Edited excerpts follow.

Why have you decided to leave the party now?

Halili: I want to make sure my name is not used to campaign for the opposition.

Were you present when (PKR de facto leader) Anwar Ibrahim and other party leaders announced the Hulu Selangor candidate?

I wanted to know, as my name was among the candidates (shortlisted). Maybe my name would be mentioned as a candidate and hence, I (went)... You (the media) reported that the candidate (would be) a local boy...

Have you received any form of gratification to defect - like posts, contracts or anything else?

I am a neurosurgeon. Who knows, maybe they will give me a task to do nose surgery. I do not know.

Look, there will be claims that Umno may have offered you something. Are you willing to clarify this?

My conscience is clear. They can make such allegations and there is nothing I can do. What is clear (is that) wherever I go, some (will agree with me and others will be) against me. This is normal in a civilised society, when there is democracy. We have to respect differing views.

NONE Will you campaign for the BN candidate (P Kamalanathan, left) ?

Maybe, but (it is) unlikely. I am going overseas, (but) not because that I want to run away. This has been planned months ago. My son recently passed his masters in law at Monash University in Australia. The convocation is scheduled on Thursday. Initially, I was scheduled to leave today.

How do you view the BN candidate?

No comment.

How do you think the kampung folk feel about your decision to leave PKR?

If they view it well, then it is good.

 

Have you informed Anwar about your decision; did you meet him to discuss this?

NONE No. The last time I saw Anwar was when Zaid was announced as the PKR candidate (for the by-election).

Were you interviewed by Anwar when your name was said to have been shortlisted?

No.

Are you leaving PKR alone or taking others with you?

I have withdrawn of my own accord and I’m not (taking) any supporters (out of the party).

Link with Anwar

Halili is a former student of Malay College Kuala Kangsar, also the alma mater of both Anwar and Salehuddin.

He has been personal physician to Anwar since 1994, when the latter fell off a horse while out riding.

Asked if he would continue treating Anwar, Halili - who has a practice in three private hospitals - said this is a confidential matter between him and his patient.

Halili had contested on a PKR ticket in the 1999 and 2004 general elections, but lost on both outings.

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