The Tasek Gelugor PKR division has disputed media reports that 120 members had quit the Ladang Mayfield branch, pointing out that there are only 22 members there.

penang pkr urge najib step down 060110 syed mikael Division Youth chief Syed Mikael Rizal Aidid (left) told a press conference today that he has written proof of membership. Division head Mohd. Nasir Mohamed was present but could not speak because of a sore throat.

“The only one who is problematic and heads the group that ‘left the party’ is S Thevadas. (He and the) 10 others (who left) are not from PKR Ladang Mayfield...they are MIC supporters,” said Syed Mikael.

“The big question is, where did the 120 members who ‘had left the party’ come from? The (claim) is definitely meant to tarnish the party’s image.”

Yesterday, several newspapers reported Thevadas’ announcement that he and 120 others had quit PKR, citing disappointment with the party’s empty promises.

Thevadas claimed that the members had no choice but to leave as the party is dominated by those seeking power.

Syed Mikael condemned  Tasek Gelugor Umno committee member Mohd Rozi Yusof for accepting the “lie” yesterday.

He said he believes it is closely related to the Umno agenda to make this an issue in the Tenang by-election campaign in Johor.

“This desperate action by Umno is clear proof that they will do anything, to the extent of acknowledging lies and slander to get support, especially from the Indian (Malaysian) community which has long abandoned them,” he said.

Nonetheless, Syed Mikael pledged to continue with micro-economic development programmes,  especially in areas dominated by the Indian community in Tasek Gelugor. The other races will not be left out either.

“Although we are plagued by countless challenges, I am confident that PKR will continue to prosper with even more members who will join Pakatan Rakyat to lead the country into the coming general election,” he said.

Deception involved?

Other PKR members were at the press conference to support Syed Mikael’s claims.

D Chandran, a PKR member from Ladang Malakof, said Thevadas had approached him to obtain photocopies of documents of residents. They were invited to a sports event in Ladang Mayfield which they were to be given aid.

“When I went to Mayfield, I saw reporters. It so happened I was with Thevadas when photos were taken. Thevadas then asked me to comment, but I refused,” he said.

Tasek Gelugor division deputy chief V Sivanandy said he would have brought many Indian members to refute Thevadas’ claim if today was not a work day.

“Thevadas may have been tricked by Mohd Rozi who may have promised him kickbacks,” he alleged.

Syed Mikael, saying the claim was clear provocation, warned Umno and BN not to play with fire or whip up the communal sentiments.

However, he will not lodge a police report yet, as the party will handle the matter “step by step”.

Syed Mikael and Mohd Nasir then accepted 60 membership application forms submitted by Lim Joo Huat of the Teluk Ayer Tawar branch.