I would like to refer to the statement made by MCA Youth secretary-general Leong Kim Soon, who called Anwar Ibrahim a “parachute candidate” as he is not a native of Selangor.

The fact that MCA is using such a trivial issue to undermine Anwar shows their paleness in political discourse. However, I wish to point out that Anwar had actually stayed in Selangor for more than 20 years and now residing in Bukit Segambut, which is only within a stone’s throw of Selangor. Lest we forget, the man was imprisoned in Sungai Buloh, Selangor, for six long years.

If Leong is so steadfast in upholding his principles, he should first reject Chew Mei Fun as the candidate for Kajang, as she was born in Penang. Then he should demand his party president and deputy president to resign as MPs because both Liow Tiong Lai and Wee Ka Siong were born in Malacca but are serving as MPs in Pahang and Johor respectively. Weren’t they “parachute candidate” as dubbed by Leong, too?

Besides, I would also like to reiterate that the Kajang by-election is not a violation of democratic principles as claimed by Leong. It is indeed part and parcel of a democratic system. Pakatan Rakyat is not taking the rakyat for granted; instead, we are going back to the rakyat to seek for a fresh mandate.

As much as I respect Leong’s right to disagree with us, I do hope that he can be consistent and courageous enough to criticise Abdul Taib Mahmud for vacating Balingan seat “with the sole purpose of getting into power”. Failing which, Leong is no better than a hypocrite with an attitude of being holier than thou.

CHANG LIH KANG is state assemblyperson for Teja, Perak and is a member of the PKR central committee.