Gan not being probed, has 'clean record', says Eli Wong

GE14 | Incumbent Selangor exco Elizabeth Wong has denied that the state government is conducting an investigation into allegations against Gan Pei Nei.

Gan, who is PKR’s two-term incumbent Rawang assemblyperson, previously claimed she had been backstabbed from someone within the party with a poison pen letter that accused her of abusing her state allocation.

She believes a person eyeing her seat was behind the letter.

In an Oriental Daily report today, Wong said that a check with caretaker Selangor menteri besar Mohamed Azmin Ali confirmed that Gan is not being investigated for any wrongdoing, and has a clean record.

“Gan’s record of service (in Kajang) is good, she has managed to resolve the problems of many constituents as well as problems related to basic infrastructure.

“I dare say she has scored high marks (as an assemblyperson), both in her service to the people or her oratory abilities in the state assembly.

“That’s why we find it hard to believe this accusation,” she was reported as saying.

Wong added that if the allegation were indeed true, the state government would have known about it, as it had appointed a special committee and had mechanisms in place to address such cases.

In a Facebook post today, caretaker Selangor exco Teng Chang Khim similarly described Gan as one of the "most outstanding" colleagues in his career as a state lawmaker.

Gan will have chance to defend herself

On Monday, hours before the Selangor PKR candidates for the 14th general election were announced, Gan had held an emotionally-charged press conference and claimed she could be dropped due to the poison pen letter.

She also stated she had not been given a chance to defend herself against the accusation.

Today, Wong assured that anyone accused of wrongdoing would be given the chance to defend themselves.

“Anyone who is accused, regardless of whether they are in politics or business, will have a chance to explain themselves. This is a basic principle of justice.

“I understand Gan was shocked by the accusation and her reaction (during the press conference) is how a normal person would react.

“However, I believe she will continue to help with elections together with the party,” the PKR lawmaker added.

However, Wong did not appear to explain why Gan was dropped as a candidate in GE14.

Rawang will be instead contested by PKR Youth deputy strategy director Chua Wei Kiat. Chua has denied being behind the poison pen letter.

Although Gan did not make an appearance at a press conference she called earlier today, an aide read from a statement underlining her commitment to toppling BN.

"I urge (Rawang) voters to vote on May 9. I will not stand as an independent candidate. I thank everyone for their concern," Gan’s statement read. - Mkini