PPBM dismisses allegations of favouritism

KUALA LUMPUR: Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM) has dismissed allegations of favouritism in the appointment of its division leaders.
Party secretary-general Datuk Shahruddin Md Salleh said such appointments were made through negotiation with other members based on the "musyawarah" (discussion) principle.
He was responding to claims by its former supreme council member Kamarulazman Habibur Rahman.
He added even Kamarulazman's appointment as the party's Teluk Kemang division chief was made through discussion with grassroot members.
"The appointment was made after the top leadership had taken into account factors such as his contributions to the party and the acceptance of other members," he said in a statement.
Shahruddin said the party was aware of Kamarulazman's resignation, adding that the latter's membership had been automatically disqualified following the announcement.
He said the party was still in its early stage and would require its prime movers to remain together to strengthen the party.
Kamarulazman, who was one of the party's founder, announced his departure from PPBM on Wednesday, citing disappointment with the direction of the party as it was being used by members looking for power and position.
In a press conference to make the announcement, Kamarulazman lamented that the "caste system" was being practiced in the party in choosing its division chiefs, where those who had worked hard were not given the opportunity.
The departure of Kamarulazman was seen as a huge slap to the barely one-year-old party which was founded by ex-Umno members, including former premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and axed deputy prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.