KUALA LUMPUR – Defections, accusations and internal bickering continue in the Pakatan Rakyat, changing the once-united coalition more and more into a fractured and disoriented grouping of disgruntled politicians.

In the latest series of defections, PKR's Federal Territory treasurer Norasidi Salim has quit the party, citing 'loss in faith in the PKR's ability to serve the people.'

He has joined Umno, together with  several senior leaders, including FT information chief Ishak Hamzah and Putrajaya division deputy chief Azmi Hassan.

They submitted their forms to be Umno members to deputy party president Muhyiddin Yassin, who is also Deputy Prime Minister.

Speakng to reporters on Monday Norasidi said he expects 'an exodus' of PKR members, adding that about 100 members from the FT had applied to be Umno members.

“They (PKR leaders) are not doing what they promised the people during the 2008 general election. Istead, they quarrel with each other.

“Umno has its weaknesses but we can see the efforts by its leaders to address the situation and for that, it is the better party,” added Norasidi.

MP to tell more of CM's 'antics'

In GEORGE TOWN, disgruntled Nibong Tebal MP Tan Tee Beng  said he would be telling more about the 'antics' of Penang Chief Minister and DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng in the coming weeks.

“I will come out with a lot of evidence to show how Lim has been steering the state the wrong way, despite how much he stresses on CAT (competency, accountability and transparency).

“There are also a lot of promises he has made which he has not delivered,” Tan said.

He added that he had yet to get a show-cause letter from the PKR leadership on his outbursts  -  calling Lim an incapable leader of 'no class' who practised vengeful politics.

Tan, a former Gerakan member, reiterated that he would not be leaving the PKR.

'Pakatan does not need DAP'

In JOHOR BARU, Parti Rakyat Malaysia (PRM) has invited  invited disgruntled PKR parliamentarians  to join the party.

PRM central committee member S K Song said the party would welcome the MPs with open arms as they would be an asset.

In PETALING JAYA, outspoken Kulim-Bandar Baru MP Zulkifli Noordin said the Pakatan has no need for the DAP, which he described as the source of problems in Penang, Perak, Selangor and Kedah.

“If concerns raised by PKR leaders who have started to speak out against DAP are not addressed soon, I would not be surprised if members resign en masse,’’ he said during TV3’s Soal Jawab programme Monday night.

He said the DAP is nothing but a 'father and son' party, refering to party advisor Lim Kit Siang and his son Guan Eng.

Zulkifli suggested that the PKR should join PAS and Umno to discuss issues of common interest to restore political stability.

The 132 Muslims MPs from the three parties could join forces to unite the divided Malay base, he said, adding political stability was vital in the interest of the the nation.

Meanwhile, a former PKR leader has challenged party president Dr Wan Azizah Ismail to answer allegations of cronyism in the party.

Former leader questions PKR chief

Former PKR vice-president Saidatul Badru Tun Said Keruak said there had been accusations that some of these cronies had become rich.

She said Wan Azizah owed members an explanation.

“Dr Wan Azizah should clear the air, otherwise members would feel cheated as they believe the party is fighting for justice. —  Malaysian Mirror