Former MP for Klang, Dr Tan Yee Kew who quit the Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) several days ago has decided to join Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR).

According to The Star, she is currently discussing with several PKR leaders including Anwar Ibrahim on various national issues. Anwar has personally invited her to join the party.

“However, we never discussed party posts. As for me, the party positions are for those younger politicians who want to move up the ladder. I am not keen on party posts.”

“I am looking for a platform to contribute to the nation. PKR is a good option for me to continue serving the people,” she was quoted by the paper.

She also said many of her supporters which includes MCA members might follow her steps by to join PKR.

Earlier, she was speculated to be offerred the Klang Municipal Council (MPK) President post. However, she denied being offered the post.

In a meeting held yesterday, PKR Vice President and Gombak MP, Azmin Ali said Dr Tan and several other MCA members will be joining PKR soon.

Lawyer and MP for Bukit Gelugor, Karpal Singh warned the Prime Minister, Abdullah Ahad Badawi and his Cabinet not to make any statements with regards to the alleged sodomy case involving PKR leader, Anwar Ibrahim as it may compromise police investigation.

According to a report in Malaysiakini, Karpal is shocked by a statement by the Prime Minister who challenged Anwar to prove his innocence by providing his DNA samples to the police.

“It is elementary that under our system of law, it is not the PM who considers the result of an investigation but the police who are required to put up investigation papers to the Attorney-General.”

“It is wrong for the PM to publicly challenge Anwar to disprove the allegation of sodomy against him.”

“The PM should hold his piece and not publicly direct and influence police investigation,” he said.”

Meanwhile, a report in Bernama highlights Anwar’s claim that he was last subjected to a DNA test in 2004. As for such, he said he will not allow his DNA samples to be taken as the result of the DNA test in 2004 is still applicable.

“In fact, a fresh DNA sample is unnecessary. The (DNA) data will not change even in 2,000 years. If there is a sample, I do not see the need for me to give (a sample) once again,” he said.

Anwar has refused to provide his DNA samples as he fears that evidence could be fabricated in the sodomy case.

Christina Tan
The Star

KLANG: MCA central committee member Datin Paduka Dr Tan Yee Kew, who is believed to have been offered a post by Pakatan Rakyat, has resigned from the party.

The former Klang MP said she faxed her resignation letter to the MCA headquarters Thursday morning. “This is a painful decision because I have so much sentiment attachment to MCA after my 20 years with it,” she said, adding that the announcement came after three-months of soul searching and attempts to find new meaning to her political career.

Dr Tan said she had received several offers from political parties and PKR was the party she would likely to join but she would only make announcement when she was ready to move to another party.

She however declined to comment on rumours that she had been offered the Klang Municipal Council president’s job by the Pakatan Rakyat state government.

Asked whether her diminishing political career in the MCA and the party election were the reasons for her decision, she said the party election was just part of the reason as such an important decision could not come from just one incident.

As a politician with conscience, she said, she too shared the people’s frustration over the widening gap between the rich and the poor in the country, racial discrimination in public policies, rising corruption and abuse of power.

“Despite the growing discontent among of the people, Barisan Nasional has shown neither the determination nor the commitment to address these problems,” she claimed.

Dr Tan said it was time for a change in the political system with a two-party system that would provide the necessary check and balance to safeguard democracy, moderation and peace in the country.

“We can right now see the emergence of the two-party system so the question is whether we should throw in our support so that the system can grow, I think this is a major factor,” she said.

Latest from Malaysiakini:

Malaysia Today blogger, Raja Petra Kamarudin has reported to the police headquarters at 10am. He went there with his lawyers.

He is expected to be charged with criminal defamation in relation to allegations in his statutory declaration that implicated Rosmah Mansor in the murder of Mongolian national Altantuya Shaariibuu.

“I’m in the mood to f*** the government. What more do you want me to say?” Raja Petra said.

Meanwhile, his wife, Marina Lee Abdullah hopes that Raja Petra will not surprise everyone by refusing bail since this is a bailable offence.

Latest From Malaysiakini:

PKR leader, Anwar Ibrahim has been freed on police bail at 9.45am. He is however, not charged in court.

He will return to his home in Bukit Segambut, Kuala Lumpur.

Anwar will call for a press conference at 2pm.