The selection process of PKR has to be recalibrated and tightened to avoid more defections, said PKR president Dr Wan Azizah Ismail.

NONE “The disease (of defections) has been transmitted to the representatives of the people who won the seat on the suffering and sacrifices of the people,” she said in her policy speech at the launch of PKR's national congress in Kota Bharu, Kelantan.

Wan Azizah ( right ) said that if the infections had been detected sooner, it would have been easier to spare the party from trouble.

"This is a lesson for us to become more selective on the criteria of leadership," she said.

She suggested that the prospective candidates undergo  indoctrination or a training programme.

"Leaders should also listen to the views expressed by the people in choosing candidates, and representatives should always bear in mind that you were elected by the people,” she said, drawing cheers from 2,000 present.

"When pressed, they allege corruption - then run away and try to escape. They were some requesting contracts from the state and there those who requested excessively... and when the party leadership refused, they hopped out.

"But their schemes have been exposed and the facts were revealed. Soon enough, we will reveal evidence on the price paid to MPs - the contracts plus the RM2 million each.

"This is the behaviour of traitors... if it is such the case isn't better that they are kicked out?" she asked

 Pointing out that most of the defectors were old leader and lacking in authority, she suggested that "new aspiration" is to select those who are for renewal and reform instead.

The president reminded the representatives in Pakatan run states, especially those from Kedah, Penang and Selangor, that they have to work together and focus on the issues of development and equal distribution of wealth.

In order to achieve this target, executive councillors have to strive to serve the people and defend the office of the menteri Besar and chief minister.

  Thumbs up to Khalid

Prior, to addressing the issues of defection, Wan Azizah, in her speech had praise for the governance of Selangor Menteri Besar Khalid Ibrahim.

The trust of the people in Selangor's Pakatan Rakyat government is conditional, but the state's leadership has done a good job with its prudent administration, she said.

 Citing the Auditor-General's Report of 2008 she said the five states - Selangor, Kelantan, Penang, Kedah and Perak - were managed well and transparent.

"The state has accomplished well in sorting out the mess of the former BN administration. Within these two years, various people centric policies have been implemented. These programmes should be supported and intensified.

However, it was not all praise for Selangor, as Wan Azizah noted that there are aspects to be focused on for the state to retain its position in the next general election.

 

"They the need to be faster in implementing decisions and improve administrative efficiency. Identify laws, policies and directives that cause delays, review, amend or revoke petty bureaucracy hindrances.

She added that the state had the responsibility to ensure that aid is given to the poorest level and prodded them to intensify the state's economic development based on Pakatan's Malaysian Economic Agenda.

"The state government machinery should be more aggressive, proactive and creative to ensure that information on the policies of the state are delivered to the target group.

Never forget that politics is a question of perception, she reminded her audience. 

 She suggested that Selangor initiate a good governance index annually for the people to review the state' administration for themselves. 

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