PKR has denied that its Hutan Melintang assemblyperson S Kesavan is quitting the party.

“After obtaining an explanation from Kesavan, we confirm that he had not sent the letter and has not quit the party,” communications director Fahmi Fadzil said in a statement today.

“He has been advised to lodge a police report on the fake letter.”

Speculation arose when a copy of a letter purportedly written by Kesavan to the speaker of the state legislative assembly was circulated on Whatsapp.

The letter, dated Jan 2, states that Kesavan has quit the party because he has "lost confidence in the party leadership".

A copy of the letter shows an acknowledgment and time-stamp today by the office of speaker SK Devamany.

Devamany confirmed that his office did receive the hand-delivered letter, but he cannot act on the letter as Kesavan had not returned his call to verify the matter.

“In any case, this is a party matter. I also got a call from (Perak opposition leader) Ngeh Koo Ham and Menteri Besar (Zambry Abdul Kadir) to express concern as this is not healthy for our Dewan,” he told Malaysiakini.

He condemned the perpetrator of the hoax and said his office will comply with any investigations.

Meanwhile, Bernama reported that Kesavan denied that the signature on the letter is his.

“I have checked the letter, the signature is not mine and it is also not written using a letterhead designated for assemblymen for official letters,” he told the agency.

He has called a press conference on the matter in Ipoh tomorrow.

Both Perak PKR chief Muhd Nor Manuty an Perak DAP chief Nga Kor Ming told Malaysiakini they have received assurances from Kesavan and condemned the speculation.

“He is busy preparing for his wedding. The reception is on Feb 10, and in fact, we are planning to attend it,” Nga said.

Perak PKR has five assemblypersons out of Pakatan Rakyat's 28 representatives in the legislative assembly. BN holds 31 seats.