The Youth wings of Keadilan and Parti Rakyat Malaysia (PRM) officially merged today and dismissed claims that the recent removal of a Keadilan Youth leader would lead to frictions in the new set-up.

The new wing known as Angkatan Muda Parti Keadilan Rakyat follows the merger of the parent parties last August, which is yet to receive an approval from the Registrar of Societies (ROS).

Youth chief Mohd Ezam Mohd Nor announced the new line-up of leaders and committee members at a packed press conference held at the Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall in Kuala Lumpur.

He named Faizal Sanusi as his deputy, while the five vice-presidents are Low Chee Cheong, Zahid Md Arip, Shamsul Iskandar Akin, Manikavasagam Sundram and V Prasad.

SD Johari replaced Lokman Noor Adam as secretary after the latter was ' sacked ' for allegedly trying to convince party members to defect to Umno. Liau Koh Fah and Latheefa Koya were named as treasurer and information chief respectively.

Of the15 main committee members, 10 are from Keadilan and the rest from PRM. The new leadership line-up and the names of 58 exco members are expected to be endorsed during the party supreme council meeting today.

The merger process was delayed for about six months following differences on whether or not to admit young women into the ranks. This having been resolved, 14 women have been appointed to the exco.

'No split'

Ezam said the Youth wing would help Keadilan perform better in the coming general election, due by November but widely expected to be called by April.

"More than one-third of Angkatan Muda Keadilan committee members are aged 30 or below. This is a genuine representation of youths," he said.

He said Lokman's sacking would not deter new members from joining the wing, explaining that recruitment is not an impromptu but a long-term drive.

Ezam also said the wing does not need to obtain approval of the merger from the ROS, as it is governed by the parent party.

Open to dialogue

Speaking about upcoming activities, Faizal said the wing will hold open dialogues with its counterparts in other parties and non-governmental organisations.

"The door for dialogue is open for everyone including the Barisan Nasional," he said, adding that the wing is prepared to meet with the ruling coalition over issues of public interest.

Responding to questions on Lokman's sacking, he disagreed that this would cause a fissure in the ranks of the merged entity.

"I don't think it will split the party. Moreover, I see this merger as (providing) synergy for us to move forward," he said.

Meanwhile, Latheefa said the wing expects to increase its membership following the merger.

"We are confident of getting more young people from different races to join us. Our leaders will go down to each state with regard to this," she said.

At present, the combined membership is claimed to be around 60,000.