Karpal surprised by PSM’s rejection from Pakatan Rakyat

(The Star) – DAP chairman Karpal Singh has expressed surprise over a statement by PKR that Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM)’s application to join Pakatan Rakyat has been rejected.

Karpal said so far there was no official statement by Pakatan or decision on PSM’s application to join the party.

“In my opinion, PSM’s application should be considered favourably.

“For Sungai Siput MP Dr Michael Jeyakumar to contest under a PKR ticket in the recent general election already shows that PSM regards PKR as its ally,” he said in a press conference at a coffee shop near the Air Itam market here Saturday.

On Friday, it was reported that PSM’s application to join opposition coalition Pakatan Rakyat had been allegedly shot down by the component parties.

According to PKR secretary-general Datuk Saifuddin Nasution, PAS, PKR and DAP had met before the general election to discuss PSM’s application.

Saifuddin claimed that the matter was discussed before elections and that the decision was negative.

When asked for the reasoning behind the decision, Saifuddin declined to comment.

On a different matter, Karpal urged the Registrar of Societies (ROS) to expedite the DAP Central Executive Committee (CEC) elections investigation.

He hoped a decision could be made before the next parliament sitting, which is scheduled for June 24.

He said the ROS should not be influenced by any comments or criticisms made against the DAP on the matter.

“The DAP has furnished the ROS with all evidence required.

“The matter should not be further prolonged and a decision should be made without any further delay,” he said.