MalaysiaEx-PJ MP Lee Joins Bersama
Former Petaling Jaya MP Lee Chean Chung has applied to join Parti Bersama Malaysia, after resigning from PKR due to a three-year suspension. He will lead the party's campaign in the upcoming Melaka state election.
Global Newsflix 2 min read
Former Petaling Jaya MP Lee Chean Chung has applied to join Parti Bersama Malaysia (Bersama), said Bersama co-leader Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli. Lee's application was submitted on Monday, and it will be processed according to the party's membership procedures.
Lee announced his resignation as Petaling Jaya MP last Friday, after his PKR membership was suspended for three years. The suspension was due to his involvement in Bersama's events, despite being a PKR member.
Rafizi Ramli said Lee's participation will strengthen the party's leadership, and he will lead the campaign in the upcoming Melaka state election. Lee will focus on building the campaign machinery in Chinese-majority areas.
Lee has a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Electronic Engineering and a Master of Science degree in Transportation and Logistics. He has experience in the corporate and consulting sectors, including companies based in the US and Hong Kong.
The Election Commission will not hold a by-election for the Petaling Jaya parliamentary seat, as the parliamentary term ends in less than two years. Speaker Johari Abdul informed the EC of the seat vacancy, citing Article 54(1) of the constitution.
Lee is the fourth MP to leave PKR, following Wong Chen's departure in August. PKR is a key component of the Pakatan Harapan coalition, which has faced pressure after a string of state election setbacks.
Bersama is co-led by Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, and includes former PKR Subang MP Wong Chen. The party was launched by former PKR members.
Lee has hinted that he intends to remain in Petaling Jaya for the next general election, but had not confirmed joining Bersama until now.
Key facts
- Former Petaling Jaya MP Lee Chean Chung has applied to join Parti Bersama Malaysia
- Lee's PKR membership was suspended for three years due to his involvement in Bersama's events
- The Election Commission will not hold a by-election for the Petaling Jaya parliamentary seat
- Lee is the fourth MP to leave PKR
Three perspectives
Neutral
The development is seen as a significant shift in Malaysian politics, with implications for the upcoming Melaka state election. The move may affect the balance of power in the Pakatan Harapan coalition. The EC's decision not to hold a by-election has been made in accordance with the constitution.
Positive
Lee's decision to join Bersama may bring new energy to the party, and his experience in the corporate and consulting sectors could be an asset. The move may also signal a new direction for Malaysian politics, with a focus on building a stronger opposition.
Negative
The suspension of Lee's PKR membership and his subsequent departure may be seen as a sign of internal conflict within the party. The loss of four MPs may weaken PKR's position in the coalition, and the EC's decision not to hold a by-election may be perceived as undemocratic.
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