Media Statement by Tony Pua in Petaling Jaya on Friday, 7^th August 2009:

DAP Selangor calls upon the Pakatan Rakyat top leadership to set up a Disciplinary Committee immediately and refer Dr Hassan Ali to the committee for further actions

Dr Hassan Ali's open rebuke of fellow state executive councillor (Exco), Ronnie Liu who is in-charge of local government marks the very first time an Exco in a Pakatan Rakyat state government has called for the removal of a fellow Exco from his position.

Dr Hassan Ali's unwarranted and unjustified call is further exacerbated by an aborted attempt by PAS Youth to demonstrate against Ronnie Liu, and PAS Selangor's intent to carry out a state-wide campaign on the issue at various mosques.

What makes the call for removal further unacceptable is the fact that Ronnie was carrying out his responsibilities diligently by returning illegally seized goods to their rightful owners. This has been openly supported and verified by the mayor of the Shah Alam City Council (MBSA).

It perplexes one's mind, how Dr Hassan Ali, who is an experienced politician does not realise that in leading the above actions, it will not only result in the weakening of Pakatan Rakyat in the eyes of the people, but it will also create golden opportunities for UMNO and BN to exploit the issue, unless of course, that is the actual intent.

Dr Hassan Ali's reckless actions which are taken without any consultation with either the state executive council or the state Pakatan Rakyat leadership firmly begs the question of his hidden agenda, raises the concern among his Pakatan partners of his involvement in the UMNO unity talks as well as whether he is too eager to take on the role of Selangor Menteri Besar.

Therefore Selangor DAP would like to call upon the Pakatan Rakyat top leadership to set up the disciplinary committee at the next available opportunity and we would refer Dr Hassan Ali to the committee for deliberation and actions to be taken.

State government leaders who openly defy party discipline and work to the interest of UMNO and Barisan Nasional must be harshly reprimanded, with stern action taken to not only ensure the continued viability of the Pakatan Rakyat coalition but also to restore the public confidence in Pakatan Rakyat cohesion, coherence, discipline, unity and common sense of purpose.

If the Pakatan Rakyat disciplinary board is not constituted by the top leadership and no actions are taken against those who are intent on undermining the governing coalition and alienating the voters who has put us there, then there will be no end to these repeated and avoidable crisis for leaders who care less about the Pakatan Rakyat unity will act and behave with impunity.

* Tony Pua Kiam Wee, DAP National Publicity Secretary & MP for Petaling Jaya Utara