Parti Keadilan Rakyat views the resignation of Bayan Baru MP Dato Seri Zahrain Mohd Hashim with regret but not surprised, and recognises it as part of a necessary streamlining process to ensure that the party and its coalition partners in Pakatan Rakyat are best positioned to serve the people in the future.
Zahrain's resignation is clearly a pre-emptive move as he is facing a disciplinary proceeding following his recent press attacks on Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, and it is likely that he would have been sacked had he been found guilty. A show cause letter had been issued to him on 8th February 2010 requesting him to respond by 12th February 2010.
Parti Keadilan Rakyat recognises its duty to uphold the will of the people as expressed by the voters at the March 8, 2008 general election. Its stance is clear. Those who do not believe in the struggle for social and economic justice are not welcome in the party. The painful process of weeding out opportunists will have great long-term benefits to truly effect change in Malaysia.
This comes at a time when the party is facing many challenges because the ruling Barisan Nasional views it as a clear threat to its thus far unbroken hold on power. These challenges include the current trial of PKR leader Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim on a unjust charge. At this time of increased pressure, those who are lacking in commitment may waver and leave the party, betraying the rakyat who elected them and exposing their true agenda.
However the party is determined to continue to hold its representatives accountable to the mandate entrusted to them by the people.
LATHEEFA KOYA
