...No defections in Perak too says MB - Malaysiakini

Perak Menteri Besar Mohamad Nizar has brushed off rumours that two Pakatan Rakyat state executive councillors are planning to quit the loose coalition and become independent members of the state assembly.

The two names mentioned are Behrang assemblyperson Jamaluddin Mohd Radzi and Changkat Jering assemblyperson Mohd Osman Mohd Jailu – who were accused of graft last year.

A meeting of top state Pakatan Rakyat leaders at the Menteri Besar's official residence yesterday morning added fuel to the speculations although party leaders said it was a routine monthly meeting between the parties.

At a press conference at the state secretariat building later in the afternoon, the Menteri Besar dismissed the rumours and denied that the state government had 'lost contact' with the duo, adding that they had taken advantage of the festival break for a holiday.

He also quashed talk that the Perak Pakatan Rakyat state government was on the verge of collapse.

Rumours have been making the round that the duo are planning to quit as PKR members and become independent members of the state assembly.

Malaysiakini had quoted the Chinese daily - China Press - which mentioned them as the possible 'defectors'.

Neither assemblyperson had denied the news report.

Following Bota assemblymen Nasarudin Hashim’s defection from Umno to PKR last Sunday, both Pakatan Rakyat and Barisan Nasional had boasted that there were impending defections to their camps.

Pakatan now holds 32 seats in the state assembly, as opposed to Barisan's 27.

Even if Jamaluddin and Mohd Osman were to join Barisan, Pakatan will still hold a one-seat majority.