Anwar shrugs off Wee's exit from PKR

Wangsa Maju MP Wee Choo Keong’s resignation has elicited no surprise in PKR, with de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim insisting that the decision had been anticipated for some time.

He revealed that the party had expected the announcement during the run-up to the Hulu Selangor by-election late last month.

“Instead he chose (to do this two days) before the Sibu by-election polling day. I’m glad that the voters were not convinced by political gimmicks,” he said.

“He does not support anyone. He doesn’t come to any by-elections and help to campaign. I called him up to lend a hand (to PKR candidate Zaid Ibrahim in Hulu Selangor), he said he (wouldn’t).”

Asked about the claim that “little Napoleons” run the party, Anwar said Wee should look within and ask what he has done for the party.

“I can accept criticism, but it is important that he performed. It is more important to serve the public,” he said.

Anwar brushed off Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin’s remark that PKR is a party which is “steadily crumbling”.

“Umno has been saying (this) since 1998. But as a party, we will continue to clean it (of) elements who just want to get rich quick,” he said.

He did not deny, however, that PKR has been affected by the exodus since February, as well as by the shaky position of leaders Tian Chua (Batu MP, left ) and N Gobalakrishnan (Padang Serai MP, right) who have each been fined RM3,000 by the courts.

Under the federal constitution, MPs have to vacate their seat if, among others, they are convicted of an offence and sentenced to a minimum one year in jail or fined not less than RM2,000, and have not received a free pardon.

“We have to take into (account the) whole process (of resignations and defections). We have to take stock of our lawmakers and to ensure that they are not enticed (to cross to BN),” Anwar said.

He also assured that the party would defend Chua and Gobalakrishnan to the end.

“We will go all the way and appeal, so that these decisions are not politicised,” he said.

‘Probe required’

Anwar was also asked to respond to Kapar MP S Manikavasagam’s recent statements about an alleged sand-mining scandal involving the Selangor government-owned company Kuala Semesta Sdn Bhd (KSSB) .

“I’ve spoken to Manikavasagam (left) , and told him to speak to (Menteri Besar Khalid Ibrahim), which he did. He wants a full investigation into KSSB, (with) which I agree.

“But let the investigations proceed and don’t be used by quarters to attack the party. Khalid has been open and has made everything available.

“I have no problems with the police or the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission investigating, but they have to also investigate the Scorpene submarine, Sukhoi jet fighters, the Port Klang Free Zone and the Perwaja allegations.”

He refuted the claim that the Selangor Select Committee for Competency, Accountability and Transparency (Selcat) is biassed.

“Selcat is important. And because of it, the state assemblypersons opened their books for scrutiny for the first time. Don’t downplay (the effectiveness of) Selcat,” he said.