SEREMBAN: Three state PKR assemblymen have denied they were present at a meeting asking for Negri Sembilan Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun to step down as state party chief.

       State PKR deputy chief Datuk M. Ravi, who is also Seri Tanjung assemblyman, Ampangan assemblyman Datuk Dr Mohamad Rafie Ab Malek and Chuah assemblyman Datuk Michael Yek Diew Ching said they had also not signed any statement regarding the matter after the meeting on Sunday (Sept 5).

       Ravi, who is also Deputy Speaker of the state legislative assembly, said disciplinary action might be taken against those behind the move.

       “I admit that we have differing views on some matters and there are weaknesses in the party that needs to be addressed.

       “But sending out a letter with names of those not even present at a meeting is not the way to do things.

       “This is an internal party matter and should be discussed amongst us,” he said when met at Wisma Negri.

       Elaborating, Ravi said some party members did previously propose that Aminuddin should focus on running the state administration while the post of state party chief be given to another individual.

       This, he said, was merely to better prepare the party for the next general election as Aminuddin would not have as much time as he had his hands full on running the state government.

       He said there were plans to submit a proposal to party president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in April but did not take place due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

       “The MB has performed well during this Covid-19 pandemic and came up with many initiatives to help the people and these should be lauded.

       “We cannot be asking him to step down by issuing statements,” he said.

       In the statement issued under the state PKR information letterhead, several PKR members alleged that Aminuddin has also failed to make the party as the dominant

       member of the state government.

       They also alleged that he had failed to strengthen the party both at the division and branch levels.

       Ravi said the act has only affected the image of the party.

       “We will have a meeting this week to discuss the matter,” he said.

       Mohamad Rafie also concurred that having differing views was normal in any organisation but such matters should be discussed internally.

       “The state PKR is still as strong as before. As far as I am concerned, we will let our party president look into this,” he said, adding that he was aware that some members were unhappy with Aminuddin’s performance as state PKR chief.

       Mohamad Rafie was, however, against taking action against those behind the statement, adding that it was better to hear them out and resolve whatever problems there were.

       Yek, when met, also denied he had signed any statement asking for Aminuddin’s removal.

       “Party matters should be discussed internally. One should not viral statements as this will only affect our image,” he said.

       However, Labu assemblyman Datuk Ismail Ahmad, whose name was also in the statement refused to comment on the matter.

       “I have no statement to make,” he said when met.

       Aminuddin also refused to comment on the matter when asked.

       “Those who apparently signed the statement have already spoken.

       “I have no problem with it whatsoever,” he added.