Kajang by-election: Don’t compare us to BN says PKR vice president

(The Star) – As criticism continues to pile on PKR because of the political horse trading in Selangor, one of its vice presidents said that equating the party to Barisan Nasional was ridiculous.

N. Surendran, who is also Padang Serai MP said that they expected reaction to the political developments but that some of these criticisms were extreme and unfair.

“It is ridiculous to compare us to them,” he told the Star Online on Wednesday.

On Tuesday, Datuk Sri Anwar Ibrahim was announced as the candidate for the upcoming Kajang by- election after it’s assemblyman Lee Chin Cheh sent in his resignation the day before.

This led to speculation that Anwar would take over the Mentri Besar’s post currently held by Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim if he wins the by-election.

Many Pakatan supporters were angry with PKR and said they were no different to the country’s ruling party. They showed their displeasure on various social networking platforms.

Surendran was also disappointed that electoral watchdog Bersih had compared Lee to former Jelapang assemblyman Hee Yit Foong who resigned from DAP back in 2009, sparking a constitutional crisis.

“That is like comparing apples and oranges. Lee resigned from his seat while Hee jumped ship. That was an utter betrayal,” he said.

Surendran believed that the people would eventually accept their explanations and would continue supporting the party.

“PKR is still a party of reform and a model party for the future. As the most multiracial mass party, it gives hope to all Malaysians. Which other party is like us?” he said adding that it’s coalition partners were trying to move in that direction.

He believed that the Kajang citizens would also want Anwar representing them.

He also claimed that the problems between Khalid and Azmin Ali were being sensationalized by the mainstream media.

When asked about the performance of Khalid, Surendran admitted that he had done a good job and that people were happy with him.

“Khalid is a good Mentri Besar who made Selangor good finances. He is also completely incorruptible,” he said.

Surendran however said that factionalism was inevitable in party politics and that it happened all over the world.

“Politicians by nature are ambitious. There is bound to be bickering. We are not perfect and there is bound to be more mistakes. The most important thing is our heart is at the right place,” he said.