THE resignation of Petaling Jaya MP Lee Chean Chung from Parti Keadilan Rakyat’s (PKR) Central Leadership Council (MPP) has sparked criticism within the party, with a senior leader arguing the move undermines internal democracy and weakens representation for constituents.
In a statement, PKR deputy secretary-general Bryan Ng Yih Miin said Lee’s decision was not an act of principle, but one that disregarded the mandate of 4,416 party members who had voted for him.
He also argued that the move diminishes Petaling Jaya’s voice and influence within the party’s top decision-making body.
Ng questioned the tangible benefits of Lee’s resignation for constituents, concluding that there were none.
The criticism comes amid Lee’s claims that his views were not being heard within the party.
However, Ng pointed out that records showed Lee had not attended any MPP meetings since November 2025.
“One cannot claim to be unheard when one chooses not to be present,” he said.
He stressed that responsible leaders defend their positions within party forums and remain at the negotiating table despite disagreements.
Lee had also raised concerns over the alleged withdrawal of the Petaling Jaya MP’s office access to the MyKhas system.
Ng said that instead of addressing the issue internally, Lee chose to relinquish a leadership position that could have enabled him to influence policy decisions.
Ng noted that the Implementation Coordination Unit (ICU) of the Prime Minister’s Department had clarified that MyKhas funds remain accessible, with residents, associations and NGOs still able to apply through established channels.
“The reality is that assistance to the people was never withdrawn. What has been lost is Lee’s own political influence,” he said.
Ng further suggested that the resignation reflected an inability to accept internal party democratic outcomes, particularly after electoral setbacks.
He argued that stepping away from responsibility does not benefit the public, especially at a time when the country faces global economic uncertainty, cost-of-living pressures and ongoing reform efforts.
“During critical periods of national planning and economic restructuring, stepping away from responsibility only adds to instability,” he said.
Ng added that leadership should be measured during times of difficulty, not comfort, stressing that elected representatives are expected to continue serving and advocating for their constituents regardless of internal challenges.
“Voters elected a representative to work, negotiate and deliver results—not to create political drama when faced with adversity,” he said.
He concluded that abandoning responsibility does not reflect courage, but rather a failure to uphold the trust placed by both party members and the people of Petaling Jaya. – June 14, 2026
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