PKR Selangor Youth today denied news reports that more than 300 members had left the party following the resignation of Kuala Langat division chief Abdul Razak Halidi.

It also stressed that members "are not leaving" the Shah Alam and Sepang divisions.

"We completely deny media reports that Youth divisions in Selangor have been dismantled (as a result of these resignations)," state Youth chief Halimey Abu Bakar told a press conference in Shah Alam today.

Last Wednesday, Abdul Razak announced his departure from the party taking with him 16 division committee members.

He accused the PKR leadership of no longer being serious in fighting for the party agenda.

Halimey refuted Abdul Razak's claim that he 333 took members with him. "Where is the proof that those members left?"he asked.

However, he confirmed that Shah Alam Youth chief Rozali Abu Bakar and Kuala Langat Youth chief Shaharuddin Shahabuddin have resigned from their posts but have not formally left the party.

He also reported that a Sepang division committee member had resigned from the party. "We are carrying out party activities as usual," he said.

Elections is near

On media reports concerning desertions in the party, he said this was an indication that the general elections is near.

He blamed the ruling Barisan Nasional government for "taking the opportunity to exploit this issue for their own purposes."

"We believe there are irresponsible parties who are malicious and are offering rewards to PKR members to leave the party and join those who have left earlier," he said.

Early this month, some 300 Indian members, mostly from Seremban, reportedly left the party in support of businessman S Nallakaruppan.

Reports of desertions followed former PKR Youth chief Ezam Mohd Noor's resignation from the party late last month. He cited disillusionment with the party and Anwar's leadership.

Deputy Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak the resignations reflected the lack of confidence in the opposition party.

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