Bersih has called for lawmakers to remain in office and fulfil their mandate until the next general election, following the resignations of several PKR MPs in recent months.

While the electoral watchdog's steering committee stressed its understanding of the four lawmakers' decision, it raised concerns about the impact on the affected constituencies as well as efforts to push institutional reform.

"Critical MPs play a vital role in scrutinising bills, posing questions, participating in committees, and ensuring that reform pledges are fulfilled.

"The withdrawal of such critical voices would diminish the advocacy for these demands within the Dewan Rakyat," it said in a statement last night.

Lee Chean Chung is the latest PKR member to step down from his MP position, vacating his Petaling Jaya parliamentary seat last Friday, citing dissatisfaction with his party over several governance issues including the diversion of the remaining RM3 million in constituency allocations to the PKR leadership.

READ MORE: Lee quits as Petaling Jaya MP, cites governance concerns

In response to his resignation, it was reported that PKR president and prime minister Anwar Ibrahim said Lee (above) had been absent from party meetings, including the recent annual congress in Malacca, for the past year.

However, Lee yesterday denied claims that he had been "missing" from party affairs, saying his reduced activity followed the party's failure to act on "corporate mafia" allegations.

He said in a statement on social media that he had taken several actions to demand accountability over the "corporate mafia" controversy, which surfaced in a Bloomberg report earlier this year that alleged a network of businesspeople had worked with MACC officers to target companies, oust executives, and seize control of businesses.

Lee also questioned why a PKR MP accused of receiving RM9.5 million from a businessperson involved in the scandal was not investigated while he was punished for pushing for an investigation.

He had reiterated calls for an independent and transparent royal commission of inquiry into the matter.

Voters paying the price of party infighting

Commenting further, Bersih stressed that internal party disputes should not result in voters losing representation or bearing the consequences of conflicts beyond their control.

While noting that resigning was an MP's personal choice, the group said that it was unfair to voters if their mandate was ended without first seeking their views.

"Elected representatives have a responsibility to explain the options being considered, listen to the views of their constituents, and take into account the impact on the voters' right to representation," it added.

Bersih acknowledged that withholding constituency allocations from MPs was unfair and could affect their ability to perform their duties.

However, it said MPs should continue speaking out even when facing pressure from party leadership, as differences of opinion could strengthen checks and balances.

The group called on the Madani government to treat all elected representatives fairly in the distribution of constituency development funds, including opposition MPs and vocal critics.

"This is a pledge that must be honoured and should not be subject to the discretion of the ruling government," it emphasised.

Party suspension

While announcing his resignation as MP, Lee also pointed to the party's imposition of a three-year suspension as a reason.

He alleged that the decision was likely motivated by his outspokenness on several state and federal government policy issues.

Lee's resignation followed those of Rafizi Ramli (Pandan), Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad (Setiawangsa), and Wong Chen (Subang). Apart from quitting their MP positions, the trio also left PKR. Lee said he would be submitting his party resignation letter tomorrow.

Rafizi and Nik Nazmi have since gone on to head Bersama, which Wong joined after his own resignation.