Wan Azizah may be sued for slander

(The Star) – More trouble is brewing in Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) with the party’s former communications director Ronnie Klassen considering suing PKR president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail for defamation.

Klassen said he was considering this following his indefinite suspension from PKR after describing Dr Wan Azizah as a blatant liar for denying that he had ever been the Sabah PKR communications director.

“She has ridiculed and embarrassed not only me but also my family,” he said here yesterday.

Klassen said he had been appointed to the post in 2009 by PKR deputy president Azmin Ali who was then party vice-president.

“I have challenged Azmin, (PKR adviser Datuk Seri) Anwar Ibrahim and other Sabah leaders to say I was never appointed but they have chosen to remain silent,” he added.

Klassen said he had received an e-mail from PKR disciplinary chief Datuk Dr Tan Kee Kwong on March 10 about his indefinite suspension.

He said the suspension came eight days after he received another email dated March 2. It was a showcause letter asking him to explain why the party should not take action against him over his remarks about Dr Wan Azizah.

Klassen accused the PKR leadership of disregarding the party constitution.

“I responded in writing to the showcause letter and by right, I should have been asked to explain myself before the disciplinary committee before any action was taken.

“This is a party that talks about justice but doesn’t seem to understand the meaning of the word,” he added.