Kazakhstan News.NetSaturday 27th December, 2008 (IANS)
Malaysian Indian lawmaker S. Manikavasagam has decided to quit the opposition alliance Parti Keadalan Rakyat (PKR) and declare himself an independent since he is 'disappointed' by differences with party leaders in Selangor state.'I have made up my mind and it's final. This decision (to quit) is indeed a firm action and it will be my new year gift to the party,'
Manikavasagam was quoted as saying by The Star newspaper.Manikavasagam, 43, said he was quitting because he was disappointed with the attitude of Selangor PKR leaders, who he claimed had neglected the needs of the people.He is expected to make the official announcement before Wednesday.
A first-term lawmaker, Manikavasagam had won from the Kapar constituency in a prestigious contest, defeating the women's front chief of the Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) Komala Devi Perumal.His quitting the PKR, despite efforts to stop him by its leader Anwar Ibrahim, will be a loss to the opposition alliance that emerged strong with over 80 members in the general elections in March this year.Conversely, it would be a shot in the arm for the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) and Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmed Badawi, whose two-thirds parliamentary majority was slashed in that poll.