Lee Chean Chung will be resigning as Petaling Jaya MP effective today.
He made the announcement during a press conference and explained his decision in a lengthy statement on his Facebook account.
Explanation
In the statement, Lee said he was informed that his PKR membership had been suspended for three years, adding that he had “received the black and white for that.”
Following the party’s decision, Lee said he decided to resign unconditionally as Petaling Jaya MP.
Should I continue receiving a salary as a Member of Parliament while simply sitting silently like a stump? No.
“Therefore, I, Lee Chean Chung, have today decided to resign unconditionally as the Member of Parliament for Petaling Jaya,” he wrote.
Previously, Lee’s ties with PKR declined tremendously after his access to constituency allocations was reportedly blocked through the MyKhas portal.
Although no formal explanation was given, rumours say the alleged blocking of access was due to Lee attending events organised by Bersama, a new political party led by former PKR leaders.
Aside from resigning as Petaling Jaya MP, Lee said he will also be resigning as a PKR member, where a letter stating his intention to quit the party will be submitted on Monday (Oct 5).
Slammed govt over inaction
Lee also criticised the government for failing to address or act on pressing issues, such as handing out DNAAs (discharge not amounting to an acquittal) to figures accused of corruption and dealing with the “Corporate Mafia”.
The people have the right to ask: Why were we once so angry about corruption, abuse of power and institutional decay, but when given the opportunity to govern, the standards have changed?
“Some say that Anwar remains the best choice, and that the government needs to compromise because this is a Unity Government.
“However, when Najib was allowed to serve his sentence under house arrest without a full explanation given, it has become increasingly difficult to continue using the same justification.”
Thanked public for support
Towards the end of the statement, Lee thanked PKR for giving him the opportunity to champion on issues close to his heart for the past 18 years, as well as colleagues who “still believe in clean politics, institutional reform and a Malaysia that celebrates diversity.”
He also thanked his constituents in Petaling Jaya for their longstanding support and assued that his service centre will continue to operate as usual.
