The rakyat will punish Matunggong state assemblyperson Jelani Hamdan for his defection after winning his seat under the banner of Pakatan Rakyat, says PKR vice-president Tian Chua.

"The rakyat will judge and punish poltiicians without integrity like this one.

NONE"The rakyat who chose reform and change was betrayed by a selfish and opportunistic politician who jumped ship to support a regime that is corrupt and cruel," he said in a press statement today.

Describing him as a political frog, Tian Chua accused Jelani of using party disagreements as an excuse to defect.

Yesterday Jelani announced his resignation as Sabah PKR vice-chief but did not quit the party, claiming that he is not aware whether he is actually a PKR member or not.

Jelani had cited unhappiness with Sabah PKR's refusal to appoint a Kadazandusun-Rungus as its deputy chief.

"It does not make sense for Jelani to accept the appointment as a candidate from PKR and now claims he is not a member of the party," said Tian Chua.

Two defections among state reps

He added Jelani had never raised any questions about his membership when he was still with PKR.

On the appointment of a Kadazandusun-Rungus, Tian Chua said Sabah PKR had autonomy and it was up to the state to decide, but the matter was already under consideration.

NONE"PKR is a multiracial party and consensus requires time and sincerity from all parties," he said.

On Monday, Kadamaian state assemblyperson Jeremy Malajad (right in photo) also quit PKR to become a BN-friendly independent.

In a Bernama report today, Sabah Chief Minister Musa Aman said the defections were because the representatives realised they could not help their constituents by being in the opposition.

"I wish to repeat my previous statement that more will leave (the opposition), upon the realisation that they cannot do anything for the people," he told reporters after opening the 13th Fishermen's Menumbok Festival in Kuala Penyu today.