History has shown that defections from opposition parties actually made them stronger and hopefully, the same will apply to PKR, said party deputy president Syed Husin Ali.

Syed Husin told a press conference tonight that Pakatan Rakyat allies DAP and PAS experienced defections in the past, but it did not weaken them.

“It is noted in history that DAP and Pas which was (once) beleaguered by defections are stronger today.  We hope the same will occur in PKR too.

“There are already signs that our strength is secured, as I said earlier (in the speech) every month the party has been getting about new 5,000 applications forms... and the last three month the number surged to 50,000 ,” he said.  

PKR’s image has been marred by the defections of 10 of its elected representatives since February 2009 and has been called the weakest link in the opposition coalition.

To a question, Syed Husin said PKR was willing to re-admit defectors on condition that the party was not at fault.

“We will consider if they are willing to come clean and admit their mistakes,” said Syed Husin, who was quick to add that no such request has been received.

Syed Husin said for now, the party aims to strengthen its cadre system and plug holes which had resulted in defections.