Fahmi disappointed as Lee Chean Chung quits PKR council, says voters deserve answers

KUALA LUMPUR, June 12 — Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) information chief Datuk Fahmi Fadzil today expressed disappointment over the resignation of Petaling Jaya MP Lee Chean Chung from the party’s central leadership council, saying that he owed an explanation to his voters and party members.

Fahmi said he had known Lee for many years and believed the MP should have used the party’s internal platforms to raise any concerns rather than leaving the party.

“I am disappointed with the decision he has taken. Many people voted for Lee Chean Chung and he owes an explanation to his constituents as well as members of the party,” he told reporters after the Cabinet meeting during the communications ministry’s weekly press conference here today.

He said differing views within PKR were not uncommon and pointed to senior party leader Elizabeth Wong, who is also the former member of Selangor State Executive Council as an example of someone who regularly expressed views that differed from the party leadership while continuing to engage through party channels.

Fahmi, who is also the communications minister, added that Lee had not attended central leadership council meetings for some time and should have used those avenues to voice his concerns.

“Within the MPP, there are many leaders who do not necessarily share the same views. Elizabeth Wong has often expressed opinions that differ significantly from those of the party leadership, but she continues to use the available platform to ensure the party remains on the right track.

“Lee should have done the same. The platform existed for him to raise his views and concerns,” he said.

Fahmi also stressed that party leaders remained open to discussions and engagement.

He added that party members and leaders were always willing to engage on matters affecting the party’s direction and policies.

“The door has always been open for discussion. In fact, he has been in contact with me before, but he never raised this particular issue,” he said.

“If there is a willingness to find a solution, there is always a way forward,” he said.

After 18 years, Lee has stepped down from the party’s Central Leadership Council, citing concerns over the party’s current direction and internal decision-making processes.

However, he also confirmed that he will remain a PKR member and continue serving as a Member of Parliament until Parliament is dissolved.

“PKR today is no longer the PKR I once knew,” he said in a Facebook post announcing his decision.

He added that he could no longer continue within the party’s leadership structure and would instead focus on his responsibilities as a backbench MP.

Lee also reaffirmed his commitment to parliamentary duties, including supporting institutional reform legislation expected to be tabled in June.

In his statement, he said he had sought clarification from the party regarding recent administrative matters affecting constituency work and public programmes, but claimed that no formal explanation had been provided.

He added that these developments had made it increasingly difficult for him to continue operating within the current leadership framework.