Penang PKR MP may defect to new party

A top PKR leader is strongly rumoured to soon leave the party and become a Barisan Nasional-friendly independent parliamentarian.

The PKR MP from Penang is said to have already secured assurances from a few other Pakatan Rakyat parliamentarians to follow suit. It's learnt that he is actively wooing another two or three Pakatan parliamentarians.

The plan is for the MP and his co-defectors to become independent representatives before joining the newly-formed Parti Cinta Malaysia (PCM) led by Tang Weng Chew.

Last month, PKR's Ngemah state assemblyperson Gabriel Adit Demong joined the Penang-based PCM as its Sarawak chief.

Talks of possible defections began when PCM was formed last September and the rumours gained currency in recent weeks.

It is believed that the PKR MP had already met Umno president and BN national chairperson Najib Abdul Razak early this week to finalise his defection and to discuss a possible post in the federal cabinet.

His defection would be a major coup for Najib since BN's successful bid in ousting the Perak Pakatan government early last year following three defections.

The Umno-led federal government appeared to be targeting to secure enough defections to regain it two-thirds majority in Parliament, which is vital for the ruling coalition to initiate constitutional amendments at will.

BN now has 140 federal seats, eight short of a two-third majority, while the opposition parties collectively have 82 seats.

The MP believes he, together with other defectors, would be in much stronger position than minor BN component parties such as MIC and Gerakan to stake claim for a federal cabinet post.

Meanwhile, his co-defectors could also be rewarded with deputy ministership, senatorship or lucrative appointments in government-link companies (GLCs).

The defections would inject a shot in the arm for the BN government.

Najib's administration has been badly hit by the 'Allah' controversy, the lack-luster economy and sordid revelations by private investigator P Balasubramaniam.

Close aide to Anwar

The PKR parliamentarian is said to be once a close political aide to PKR supremo Anwar Ibrahim.

However, in recent months, the MP's relationship with Anwar is said to be strained.

He is especially upset that PKR frequently “kow-tow” to Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng in Penang at the expense of party's interests.

The omission of local PKR grassroots leaders - Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik and Mohd Razali Abdullah - as councillors in Penang Island Municipality (MPPP) is seen by the MP as “total surrender” to DAP demands.

In addition, the exclusion of PKR councillor Johari Kassim from Seberang Perai Municipal Council's (MPSP) one-stop centre has also lent credence to the MP's argument that PKR had become submissive to the DAP-dominated state government.

If the projected defection happens, it would be a devastating blow to Anwar, who is rapidly facing increasing political pressures from inside and outside the party and will be in the dock for his second sodomy trial beginning next week.