Kulim Bandar Baharu MP Zulkifli Noordin today came to the defence of beleaguered Lunas state assemblyperson Mohd Razhi Salleh saying that "his friend" has been a very committed and dedicated elected rep.

"I believe his actions have been based on principles and not disciplinary issues, MACC investigations or bribery.

"What more the malicious hearsay implicating woman problems," he said in his blog entry yesterday evening.

mohd radzhi salleh He advised PKR members not to be quick in making wild allegations, insinuations and pointing out the faults in others.

Although Radzhi (left) received full support from PKR division chiefs and committee members, a few local leaders refused to acknowledge him as their leader because of what they say is "ego and pride", claimed Zulkifli.

"I am not surprised when acting division chief Jamaludin Abu Hassan and a few hundred Padang Serai PKR branch members quit PKR in a show of support," he said.

Zulkifli also said that Radzhi faced financial problems in servicing the constituents as Kedah PKR state assemblyman and MPs do not receive any financial help or allocations.

"Most of us draw from our own allowances and income to help the people.

"Problems are now compounded by continuous internal bickering within the division, including a lack of co-operation among several division leaders," he said.

Zulkifli added that Radzhi had expressed concern recently over the perception that PKR is now "controlled" by an exclusive group who have their own hidden agenda in challenging and eroding the position of the Malays and Islam.

"Whether wrong or not his perception might be, we need to respect YB Radzhi's decision because that is what he feels.

"As advocators of human rights, we should be among the first to respect his decision because it is his right to choose and decide which party to join," he said.

‘Wrong for Radzhi to resign'

Zulkifli believes that the demands calling for Radzhi's resignation as Lunas assemblyperson is not in line with Pakatan Rakyat's stance to respect and uphold human rights principles.

"This is evident when Bota assemblyperson Nasarudin Hashim choose to quit Umno to join PKR but later made a U-turn. PR did not demand that he resign from his post but instead celebrated his exit.

zulkifli noordin azmin ali yusmadi parlimen 180808 02 "When the situation is unfavourable, we say that it is wrong but when it is beneficial to us, we agree to it," he said.

Zulkifli (extreme right) urged party members to be forthright in "calling a spade, a spade" even though it was a "sour experience" for the party and not to practise "double standards".

"We must be steadfast and consistent in whatever we say or do. It would be a good time and opportunity for the party to reflect and correct its weaknesses, if any.

On Sunday, Mohd Radzhi Salleh, who is also Kedah state Tourism, Community Development and Human Resources Committee chairperson, announced he had quit PKR to become an independent member of the Kedah legislative assembly.

He cited loss of confidence in the PKR leadership as one of the reasons why he left the party but said he would retain the post of state executive councillor as the appointment was made by the Sultan of Kedah.