Twelve PKR MPs have denied speculation that they will quit PKR, and have instead sworn allegiance to the party, its de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim and Pakatan Rakyat.

The 12 made their stand at a press conference at party headquarters in Petaling Jaya this morning.

NONE However, two names conspicuously missing from the joint statement are Zulkifli Noordin (Kulim Bandar Bharu) and Wee Choo Keong (Wangsa Maju), who are among PKR MPs to have openly criticised party and Pakatan leaders.

The group includes Kamarul Baharin Abbas (Teluk Kemang), Ahmad Kassim (Kuala Kedah), Azan Ismail (Indera Mahkota), Abdullah Sani Abdul Hamid (Kuala Langat), Ab Aziz Ab Kadir (Ketereh), Yusmadi Yusoff (Balik Pulau), S Manikavasagam (Kapar), N Gobalakrishnan (Padang Serai), Rashid Din (Merbok), Loh Gwo Burne (Kelana Jaya), Amran Ab Ghani (Tanah Merah) and Hee Loy Sian (Petaling Jaya Selatan).

Two from the group - Loh and Gobalakrishnan - were unable to attend the press conference due to other engagements. 

Wee is overseas, can't be contacted

In reading out a one-page statement, Kamarul stressed that the 12 are making their stand known "voluntarily", and not under any form of pressure from the party leadership.

Kamarul said Wee is still overseas and cannot be contacted, while Zulkifli is  being probed by the party's disciplinary committee.

"He is still undergoing the disciplinary committee process and we will let it continue. However, we hope that he will be with us."

Kamarul said that their names were part of a list of potential defectors which appeared in several blogs.

"We strongly denied the allegation that we will leave the party as speculated by certain irresponsible quarters...

"The fact is that Umno-BN is worried to see the second wave of support for the Pakatan leadership, especially relating to the second libelous case against Anwar.

"Umno-BN is trying to divert the attention from the country's ailing economic situation as well as national issues which have no solution in sight."

'Personal problems'

The pledge of support comes at a time when the party is reeling from three defections among its parliamentarians in just as many weeks.

azlan Zahrain Hashim (Bayan Baru) left the party on Feb 12 followed by Tan Tee Beng (Nibong Tebal) on Monday. This morning, Mohsin Samsuri (Bagan Serai) was the latest to defect.

This has effectively relegated PKR behind DAP, in terms of numbers in the Dewan Rakyat.

According to Kamarul, those who defected were likely having personal problems but chose not to let the party leaders know.

"Maybe there was some negotiations (with other quarters to resolve the problems)," he said, adding that there is many open channels for disgruntled MPs to voice their grievances.

Asked if he expected any more defections, Kamarul replied: "You tell me! We hope none of us here (will defect). If it does happen, its unlikely to be from us."

Yusmadi loses his way

Meanwhile, Yusmadi's absence at the press conference also raised eyebrows until he finally showed up after the press conference.

According to Kamarul, explained on Yusmadi's behalf that he had "lost his way" to the party headquarters, prompting laughter all round.

Upon meeting reporters, Yusmadi disclaimed rumours that he would be leaving PKR and stood firmly behind the reforms promised by Pakatan because he wants to put an end to the racial policies of Barisan Nasional.

He likened Pakatan's struggle to that of former South African president Nelson Mandela's bid to end apartheid.

"Pakatan is no longer just a coalition of parties, it is a mass movement with big potential," he said.

"When Mandela was released from jail, many said he would be bitter, but instead he forgave everyone. This formed the movement which eventually abolished the apartheid policy."

Yusmadi also defended Penang chief minister and DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng, who Zahrain and Tan blamed as the reason for their departure from PKR.

He said the Penang state government had never neglected the Malays as claimed by Lim's detractors and blamed Umno and BN for the problems faced by the community.

"For more than 50 years, Umno has failed despite all its efforts, resources and funds. Why? This has to do with (bad) leadership and governance," he said.

He adds that he is betting all on Lim to lead Penang because he is not tainted by corruption.