Nik Aziz: PKR just learning to crawl

Kelantan Menteri Besar Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat said the problems-plagued PKR was akin to a baby learning to crawl.

"PAS was also like that. Before it became strong, there were members who left, " he told reporters after presenting donations to fire victims in Kampung Wakaf Lanas, Pasir Puteh.

Nik Abdul Aziz ( left ), who is also Pas spiritual leader, said members crossing over to other parties was normal, especially those from newly formed parties like PKR.

"Before it (party) become strong, we have to accept things like that (cross over to other parties)," according to Bernama.

PKR made dramatic inroads in the March 8, 2008 general elections, but three MPs and four state assemblypersons have since left the party.

The latest wave of defections saw three PKR MPs - Zahrain Hashim (Bayan Baru), Tan Tee Beng (Nibong Tebal) and Mohsin Samsuri (Bagan Serai) - quitting the party and declaring themselves independent.

In addition to this, PKR has sacked Zulkifli Noordin ( right ), MP for Kulim Bandar Bharu, over disciplinary issues.

This has left PKR with just 26 seats in the Dewan Rakyat, making it the second largest opposition party behind DAP, which holds 28 seats.

However, Pakatan Rakyat allies DAP and PAS have both pledged support for PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim to continue on as opposition leader.