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Monday, 9 February 2009

Anwar to decide Arumugam's status

By Adib Zalkapli

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 9 - Despite rumours that he has quit his Bukit Selambau seat over allegations of adultery, Kedah PKR state executive councillor V. Arumugam has yet to officially tender his resignation, state party chief Ahmad Kassim said today.

Kedah PKR chairman Ahmad Kassim told The Malaysian Insider that Arumugam was still waiting for party de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's decision.

"As of now he is still an assemblyman, no decision has been made until Datuk Seri Anwar decides," said the Kuala Kedah MP.

Arumugam contested and won as an independent in the general election last year but joined PKR after being offered a state executive councillor position in the Pas-led government.

Party sources told The Malaysian Insider that Arumugam's intention to quit as lawmaker was driven by the allegation of extra marital affairs against him, now seen as an attempt by the state opposition to topple the government through defections.

He had earlier complained of threats against him, his family and aides and lodged a police report over an attempted kidnap attempt on him which he claimed was to force him to cross over to Barisan Nasional.

Recently a petition was submitted to the Sultan of Kedah urging the ruler to take action against an executive councillor for adultery.

Kedah Menteri Besar Azizan Razak however had refused to be drawn into the controversy by down playing the issue saying that there are other more serious allegations against Barisan Nasional leaders.

Pakatan Rakyat currently leads the state with an eight seat majority in the 36-seat legislative assembly with Pas holding 16, PKR 5 and DAP one.

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