KUCHING: Trouble flared in Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) state election campaign when it emerged today that nine of its members are standing as Independents in the April 16 state election.
This means that almost a quarter of the 41 independents contesting in the polls came from PKR’s fold.
Three others, among them former national communications director Jonson Chong, were accused of helping rival parties.
PKR disciplinary committee chairman Datuk Dr Tan Kee Kwong said in a statement today that all 12 have been sacked.
“The decision is important to protect the party’s interest and image,” said Dr Tan, adding that their action was an act of betrayal to PKR and the opposition alliance.
The nine members standing as Independents are Soo Lina (N11.Batu Lintang), Cobbold ak Lusai (N25.Balai Ringin), Kiprawi Suhaili (N35.Belawai), George ak Lagong (N54.Pelagus), Michael Jok (N57.Belaga), Kenneth Adan Silek (N57.Belaga), Liam ak Rengga (N60.Kemena), Michael Ding Tuah (N66.Marudi) and Jok Ding (N67.Telang Usan).
The other two said to be helping the rivals are Paul Kadang ak Dinggat from Saratok and Hasrul Muhaimin Hasbi who is from the Alor Star branch.
Soo Lina is standing in Chinese-majority Batu Lintang constituency in Kuching City against PKR new face See Chee How and Sih Hua Tong of the Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) for the Barisan Nasional (BN).
See had asked Soo to withdraw after nominations were held last Wednesday.
“I am tired of the party politicking. I have decided that my political master is the rakyat and I will not be loyal to party leaders. These people have their own agenda, it is not good for low level members and the rakyat,” Soo said when contacted.
Peninsular-based Chong, who is from the PKR Kelana Jaya branch, said it was not right for PKR to accuse him of helping rival parties when he was assisting the Sarawak National Party (SNAP).
“Don’t they recognise SNAP has joined the opposition alliance? The PKR wants to grab many seats but which party is homegrown? Who do Sarawakians really want?” he asked.
Chong said he was only helping SNAP behind the scenes and had not revealed himself or criticised PKR openly.
“This is not wrong. It is just that PKR does not want to cooperate but SNAP is cooperating with PAS and the DAP,” he said.
PKR and SNAP were locked in a bitter seat dispute.
PKR had insisted that it had better qualified candidates for Iban-majority areas. It is fielding 49 candidates, many clashing with SNAP’s bid in 26 constituencies. – Bernama