KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 27 — PKR’s former Kajang assemblyman Lee Chin Cheh finally broke the silence over his surprise resignation today, but left those awaiting clarification without the satisfaction of a clear answer.
With speculation going into overdrive that his departure was to pave way for Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to get into the Selangor mentri besar’s seat, Lee chose only to add to the mystery with a cryptic reason for his resignation.
“My decision to vacate the N25 Kajang seat is for the greater good and to reinforce the ability of (Pakatan Rakyat) to serve the people of Selangor,” Lee said in a three-paragraph statement tonight.
He also thanked the voters of the constituency for their trust and co-operation.
In an unexpected announcement this evening, Selangor Speaker Hannah Yeoh confirmed the resignation of the Kajang representative but similarly gave no reason for his decision.
She only added that she would inform the Election Commission (EC) of the vacancy tomorrow.
Lee won the seat in Election 2013 when he secured 19,571 votes to defeat Barisan Nasional’s Lee Ban Seng with a 6,824 majority in a six-way fight.
A by-election must now be called within 60 days of the EC being notified of the vacancy.
