PKR Information Chief Datuk Fahmi Fadzil has criticised Petaling Jaya Member of Parliament Lee Chean Chung for failing to utilise the party’s internal platforms to voice his concerns before stepping down from the Central Leadership Council (MPP), describing the move as a missed opportunity for constructive engagement within the party.
Fahmi said differences of opinion have long been part of PKR’s political culture and should be addressed through established party channels, particularly within the Central Leadership Council, where elected leaders are expected to debate policies, challenge decisions and contribute to shaping the party’s direction.
“I am disappointed that he did not remain within the platform to express his views. Within the MPP, many leaders hold differing opinions, yet they continue to attend meetings and use that forum to state their positions.
“Differences of opinion among party leaders are not unusual in PKR and can be expressed through the channels provided by the party,” he said.
Speaking at a press conference following the Cabinet meeting in his capacity as Unity Government spokesperson, Fahmi stressed that leaders entrusted by party members have a responsibility to use internal mechanisms to advocate for change and defend the principles they believe in.
Drawing comparisons with former PKR leader Elizabeth Wong, Fahmi noted that disagreements with the party president and senior leadership had never prevented robust participation in internal discussions.
“For example, former PKR leader Elizabeth Wong frequently expressed views that differed from those of the PKR President and other leaders during MPP meetings, yet she continued to attend and defend the principles she believed in.
“That platform was used to ensure the party remained on the right path, and Chean Chung should have done the same,” he said.
His remarks came after Lee announced his immediate resignation from the party’s Central Leadership Council, ending eight years in the central leadership structure and marking a significant development after nearly two decades of involvement in PKR.
Despite stepping down from the leadership body, Lee said he would remain a PKR member and continue serving as the Member of Parliament for Petaling Jaya until the dissolution of Parliament.
Explaining his decision, Lee said he had lost confidence in the party leadership, claiming it had failed to rectify mistakes or provide satisfactory explanations regarding several issues he had raised.
Fahmi also dismissed suggestions that Lee had been marginalised within the party, including allegations that he faced restrictions involving access to the MyKAS system.
“In any matter, he could have come forward for discussion. In fact, he contacted me through WhatsApp on several issues, but this matter was never raised.
‘Where there is a will, there is a way; where there is no will, there are a thousand excuses. In any case, he must explain his decision to his constituents and to party members,” he said.
The exchange highlights growing tensions within PKR following its recent party elections, while also raising broader questions about internal accountability, leadership confidence and the management of dissent within one of Malaysia’s largest governing parties. - June 12, 2026
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