Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) has confirmed receiving membership applications from 1,009 individuals claiming to be MCA members from various branches in Seberang Perai, Penang.

PKR secretary-general Kamarul Bahrin Abas said that the applications forms are with him, but he could not independently verify if those members are bona fide MCA members.

"The claim that the applicants were MCA members came from (former Bukit Mertajam MCA branch leader) Tony Peh Choon Peng (left in picture with Anwar)," he said when contacted.

The forms were handed over to Kamarul during a dinner held in Bukit Mertajam on Monday to welcome the 1,009 new members into PKR. The dinner was also attended by PKR advisor Anwar Ibrahim.

The applicants are said to be from six MCA divisions - Bukit Mertajam, Batu Kawan, Permatang Pauh, Butterworth, Kepala Batas and Tasek Gelugor.

Mass defection

On claims by Penang MCA deputy chairperson Lau Chiek Tuan that only 50 people showed up for the function, Kamarul said that 160 tables were sold out adding that almost 2,000 people attended the event.

The defection is believed to be the result of disappointment felt by MCA members over alleged mishandling of party matters by the central leadership, especially on the allegations of phantom voters during the recent party elections.

However, MCA deputy president Chan Kong Choy has denied that the mass defection took place, reported the Star.

"The state MCA conducted investigations and found that up to now there was no request for cessation of membership from the divisions concerned. Therefore we believe they are not MCA members," said Chan, who is also the Penang MCA liaison chairman.

Peh however, told malaysiakini that he does not have to formally inform the party about his decision to quit.

"There is no need for formal notification. If we don't pay our annual subscription to the party (MCA), our membership is automatically revoked. We have wasted too much time in MCA already," said Peh.

According to the party constitution, members who do not pay their annual subscription of RM2 or join another political party, will have their memberships automatically terminated.

More defections

Meanwhile, Kamarul said that another dinner to welcome more members based in Penang island will be held soon.

He said that members of MCA, MIC and PPP are expected to submit their membership applications to PKR at the event, which will take place during Anwar's next visit home. Penang is also his home state.

Anwar, who is former deputy prime minister, is presently lecturing at Georgetown University in Washington. His teaching stint is expected to end in May, where he will return to Malaysia.