Less than 24 hours after news broke on William Leong's resignation from PKR's political bureau, several banners were put up early this morning in support of the Selayang MP.

The banners also condemned the party's move to seek ties with PAS, which is claimed to already have an "arrangement with Umno".

As at 3am, the banners were seen in Segambut, Batu and Wangsa Maju. It is estimated that 10 banners supporting Leong were put up early this morning.

Incidentally, Batu is a PKR stronghold under two-term MP Tian Chua, who Leong's supporters claim is not supportive of the Selayang MP.

Other sources said there are also PKR members who are dissatisfied with those party leaders seen as desperate to negotiate with PAS.

It was reported that Leong resigned from the party's political bureau in protest, after the decision by president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail and deputy president and Selangor Menteri Besar Azmin Ali to continue discussing cooperation with PAS.

Leong, 60, a lawyer, also stated his intention not to defend his Selayang seat in the next general election.

The former party treasurer seized the Selayang seat from BN in the 2008 general election by defeating MCA and an independent candidate, winning with a 3,567-vote majority.

He increased his winning majority to 17, 846 votes in the 13th general election.

'Pro-PAS leaders dominating'

According to a source, Leong quit allegedly because the political bureau is dominated by a group that intends to foster closer ties with PAS.

Leong's supporters are also unhappy with the Kelantan PKR leaders for not abiding by the party directive to resign from their posts in the PAS-led state government, among others.

They feel their efforts to reject PAS are hampered by the majority of the Federal Territory PKR leaders, who are said to be favourable to a compromise with PAS.

There are also some divisional leaders who have even allegedly suggested that Leong resigns from PKR altogether.

"The problem is," said the source, "PKR should be seen to be holding on to its principles, and not keep changing its position.

“When there are many members and supporters who want PKR to  concentrate on Pakatan Harapan, conducting talks and seeking cordial ties with the Islamist party is seen to affect the party's image.”