Rumbles of discontent in Penang PKR

GEORGE TOWN: There are rumbles of discontent in Penang PKR following the expulsion of seven incumbents from an original list of 10 elected representatives from the 2013 general election.
The party has lost the services of Ong Chin Wen (Bukit Tengah), Cheah Kah Peng (Kebun Bunga), Datuk Law Choo Kiang (Bukit Tambun), Datuk Abdul Malik Abdul Kassim (Batu Maung), Dr T. Jayabalan (Batu Uban), Datuk Maktar Shapee (Sungai Acheh) and Datuk Mohd Rashid Hasnon (Pulau Jerejak).
Rashid though, has been relocated to contest a parliament seat in Batu Pahat, Johor.
Party insiders gave a scathing verdict when contacted, saying the motivation levels were now at an all time low due to the manner that the party had resorted to in making sweeping changes to the candidates list.
"It is not a selfish aim, but to remove seven incumbents at one go, there would usually be negative reactions. It has sent chills through the party."
One of the incumbents, who was sidelined, believed that the selection of candidates was based on the need to prepare for the upcoming party elections in June instead of for the upcoming elections.
"We may have handed over the country back to BN on a silver platter," said one of the leaders, who preferred not to be named due to the sensitive nature of the issue.
Yusmadi Yusoff, who was not selected for the second time, said that none of the problems faced by the candidates can match what party founder Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had experienced in his fight for reforms.
"He has spent close to 11-years in jail and did he blame the people or the party? But for some who did not get a seat, they have gone mad like it is the end of the world. Please! It is not the end of the world."
PKR strategic planning director Sim Tze Tzin said that there was no perfect candidate out there; each one has their flaws.
"But the party has appeased all quarters. Every faction has their representatives as candidates. I think it is fair. We also need to allow others a chance to serve."
Sim said that if Pakatan Harapan can win the federal government, he was sure that those dropped can continue to play a bigger role in the quest for a balanced and just form of nation building.
Abdul Malik, who was dropped said that he accepted the decision and he would assist the party to make headway in securing a bigger majority in Batu Maung and to ensure that the Opposition can secure a strong mandate to form the next state government.