Liu joins PBM, to assist in party's peninsular expansion

Former DAP leader Ronnie Liu has joined Parti Bangsa Malaysia (PBM), with the veteran politician expected to expand the party's influence in West Malaysia.

Liu (above), a former Selangor state exco member who was with DAP for 41 years, said he believes his generation still has a duty to continue contributing to nation-building efforts based on their experiences.

Lauding PBM as a "non-racial and non-theocratic" entity, Liu said he will be playing a check-and-balance role by criticising other politicians in a just manner.

"There is no need for politicians to be scared of me - as long as they're doing the right thing, there's no need to worry about me.

"But, if they're doing something that is ‘kurang manis’ (not nice) or ‘kurang ajar’ (rude), then don't expect me to keep quiet," he warned at a press conference in Kuchai Lama today.

Positing that his many years in the political arena will aid PBM in distinguishing itself as a "governance-focused" entity, Liu said the rakyat's aspirations for better conditions remain constant despite political changes.

He further argued that Malaysians are "fed up" with "old-fashioned and negative energy" politics, with PBM aiming to position itself as the opposite to garner backing.

"We're bringing a new type of politics - over time, you will see how we are different from the old style of politics," he added.

Also present at the press conference today was PBM president Larry Sng, who is also the party's sole parliamentary representative.

Not an office-bearer

Noting that Liu does not have an official position yet as the party's annual general meeting is only scheduled to take place next year, Sng expressed confidence in Liu's capabilities.

"Even without a position now, (Liu) will play an important role in the process of developing PBM.

"I want him to speak up... what's most important is that we are there to speak up for them (the people) - whether or not we are able to change things is secondary," the Julau MP added.

The former PKR man also said that he has granted Liu "full trust" to manage and run the party's operations in the peninsula to the best of his abilities.

"We want to build a truly national party - the goal is not just organisational expansion, but also enhanced governance capacity.

"I'm confident that Liu's experience can make vital contributions to PBM's development," Sng affirmed.

Maverick politician

Liu resigned from DAP in 2023, despite being elected to the party's central executive committee the previous year.

While he was expected to serve in the position until 2025, the party maverick frequently clashed with some of his fellow members and was even issued several show-cause letters by the party in 2019.

The final straw which resulted in his resignation from the party was said to be the leadership's decision to amend its constitution regarding membership termination.

Liu argued that the amendment, which prescribed the automatic sacking of elected representatives from DAP if they do not toe the party line on fundamental issues, was undemocratic.

SNAPSHOT | MP panned for politicising sexual crimes against kids issue; Liu: Why was Azam at NFCC meet?

SNAPSHOT | Umno's renewed anti-DAP stance gets Noh back; Liu looking for comeback elsewhere

SNAPSHOT | 19-year-old remanded over five-vehicle crash in Johor; Liu: Offer for Marina unacceptable

Marina 'controversy' risks damaging DAP's Johor prospects, reformist image - Liu