Kedah state assemblyperson Tan Wei Shu today announced his resignation from PKR at a press conference in Kuala Lumpur. 

NONEThe Bakar Arang representative, who will now be an independent representative, is the latest in a series elected representatives to have quit PKR since February.

Eight PKR elected representatives - four MPs and four state assemblypersons, including Tan - have quit the party.

At today's press conference, Tan cited disappointment with PKR leadership as the reason for disowning the party.

“I have been played out by the party leaders who used me for their own personal interests. Unlike most of the leaders in PKR, I have not forgotten our roots,” he said. 

Tan is the second Kedah PKR state assemblyperson to defect, since Lunas assemblyperson Mohammad Radzhi Salleh defected last year in the run-up to the Permatang Pasir by-election.

azlanWith Tan's defection, the opposition BN takes another step closer to reclaiming Kedah.

The PAS-led Kedah government has 20 seats against BN's 14, with two independents.

The state would fall should there be another three defections, but that is not likely.

PAS has 16 state representatives, PKR (3) and DAP (1) in the government. All the remaining three PKR members are part of the Kedah state cabinet. 

Tan has expressed his disgruntlement after being dropped from the cabinet line-up.

Disgruntled man

In an immediate response, PKR supremo Anwar Ibrahim said that he was not surprised by Tan's resignation.

"He was not happy because he was dropped from the state exco. The (Kedah) menteri besar proposed changes in the line-up and his performance was not satisfactory so he was dropped.”

Anwar said that the timing of the announcement, which is just before the April 25 Hulu Selangor by-election, was planned.

“We have heard about it for a while because he has begun attacking the party a few weeks back.

“I do not think it will not affect Hulu Selangor because we have anticipated it. Every time there is a by-election, there would be minor disputes. They will announce every single day that some branches or old members will leave the party.”

Anwar stressed that non-performing Pakatan cabinet members would be dropped.

“We had to do it but once we do it, there is a risk. They should realise that a seat in the exco is not a right.”

Tan defends track record

Tan, however, argued that his resignation has nothing to do with the fact that he was dropped as state exco in the Kedah cabinet reshuffle last month.

At the same time, he said that he had waited for weeks for the leadership to apologise for accusing him of incompetence.

“My work record in the past two years has proven otherwise… I cannot work with leaders who cannot admit that they are wrong,” he said.

Tan said that he had consulted his supporters and constituents before making this decision, and reassured them that his decision would not affect his service at the state constituency.

Meanwhile, both Gerakan and MCA have invited Tan to join their parties.