Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) is no longer dominated by the 'ex-Umno' faction as it was during its formative period, said supreme council member Dr Lee Boon Chye.

He was referring to the situation in Keadilan which was formed in 1998 following the sacking of ex-deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim. Many of his supporters from Umno had joined the new party.

Keadilan merged with Parti Rakyat Malaysia (PRM) last year and became known as PKR.

"Over the years, the dominance of ex-Umno members has become lesser, many have left the party. Those who still remain are those committed," said Lee, when contacted.

Early this year, PKR sacked its youth secretary Lokman Nor Adam for allegedly luring members to join Umno.

A month before the March general election, a group of PKR leaders, including information chief Ruslan Kassim had crossed over to Umno.

Party maturing

Lee, an Ipoh-based cardiologist, believes that the party is maturing and the leadership getting closer.

He said although PKR leaders are from different backgrounds, they are not split on the issue of Anwar being the best candidate for prime minister.

He also brushed off speculation that some party leaders want Anwar to return to the government as way back to mainstream politics.

"I have seen no indication from any leaders urging Anwar to go back, even from the grassroots," he claimed.

Lee said although many are worried of Anwar's future plan and how it would affect the reformasi movement, he is not losing sleep over it.

"I don't think reformasi will die even if he (Anwar) is gone," he added.