After PKR accuses him of 'sabotage', Afif quits as Penang exco

Seberang Jaya assemblyperson Dr Afif Bahardin has resigned as a Penang executive concillor today.

The resignation comes after he was issued a disciplinary show cause letter by PKR accusing him of sabotaging the party at their annual congress in December last year.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow confirmed the resignation.

Afif told Malaysiakini that he would hold a press conference at his house this afternoon.

A WhatsApp message is circulating that a solidarity gathering would be held at the assemblyperson's residence in Seberang Jaya at 3.30pm.

"He will be making an announcement regarding his future and political career," read the message.

Yesterday, Afif described himself as a "party man" and pledged to abide by PKR's decision regarding his position.

He declared full commitment to Pakatan Harapan who won the mandate to govern Penang in the last national polls in 2018 (GE14).

"I'm a party man. I will follow the party's decision. If I'm sacked, I will see what to do then," he told reporters.

Afif is a well-known ally of former PKR deputy president Azmin Ali, who collaborated with Bersatu to topple the Pakatan Harapan federal government.

The move led to Bersatu acting chairperson Muhyiddin Yassin becoming the eighth prime minister with Umno, PAS and Azmin's faction in his government.

Afif is a two-term assemblyperson in Seberang Jaya. He was appointed a state executive councillor for health and agriculture after he won his seat in 2013.

PKR members did not take kindly to his political alignment with Azmin and expressed their anger on Sunday when he attended a party meeting in Kuala Lumpur.

At a press conference in Komtar today, Chow said Afif submitted his resignation letter after meeting him this morning.

The chief minister said the letter was then presented to the exco council, which duly accepted Afif's decision.

"I have handed Afif's letter to the state secretariat, legal advisor and financial officer. I would need to inform Penang Governor Abdul Rahman Abbas about the matter as well," he added.

Chow said PKR has also been notified of Afif's resignation.

"Afif only resigned as state exco, his post as Seberang Jaya assemblyperson remains intact. He is still considered a part of the state government," he added.

Asked if Afif resigned due to pressure from PKR, the chief minister replied: "He resigned, he was not sacked, so the issue you raised does not arise." - Mkini