Friday September 12, 2008 MYT 7:39:42 PM

5 PKR members leave for Taiwan (updated)

By FLORENCE A.SAMY

(The Star) SEPANG: The five PKR leaders who are now in Taiwan want to share with Barisan Nasional backbenchers how Taiwan has evolved from a dictatorship to a democratic country with checks and balances.

PKR information chief Tian Chua, who is leading the group, also said they were not heading to Taiwan for fear that the supposed detractors would change their mind.

“We have the numbers already. We are just going there to have coffee and spend time with them and also learn about agriculture from Taiwan so that we do not get left behind when Pakatan Rakyat takes over.

“It is also our responsibility as an opposition party to monitor the backbenchers’ expenses and ensure there is no misuse as we can raise it in Parliament,” said the Batu MP when met at the KL International Airport before boarding the 2.20pm China Airlines flight to Taiwan on Friday.

Also on the flight were PKR strategic director and Machang MP Saifuddin Nasution, supreme council member Low Chee Cheong and Selangor state executive councillor Elizabeth Wong.

Election bureau deputy head and Kuantan MP Fuziah Salleh caught an earlier flight to Taiwan.

A group of Barisan backbenchers (BNBBC) left for Taiwan on Monday to learn about agriculture, a move seen as a way to avoid potential crossovers and to deflect Pakatan Rakyat’s Sept 16 takeover plan.

“This is a significant trip for us. We are sharing the same hotel with the Barisan MPs and hope to share with them how Taiwan has developed from a dictatorship to a healthy democracy with checks and balance.

“Hopefully the Barisan MPs will understand why reform is needed. The issue of jumping party does not exist as there will be no Barisan Nasional soon.

“We are opening up a window of opprtunity for the MPs and parties to think outside the box and form a coalition to ensure racial harmony,” said Tian Chua.