Malaysian lawmaker Lee Chean Chung has resigned as the member of parliament for Petaling Jaya. His resignation took effect immediately on October 2.

Lee submitted his resignation letter to the Dewan Rakyat speaker on October 1. He also plans to leave PKR, the party of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, on October 5.

“Should I continue receiving a salary as an MP but merely sit silently? No,” Lee said at a press conference. “Therefore, I have decided to resign unconditionally as Petaling Jaya MP effective today.”

The move came after PKR suspended him from the party for three years. Lee was told of the suspension on September 30. He said he was never given a proper chance to explain himself.

He believes the suspension is linked to his outspoken views on issues like the Urban Renewal Act, foreign worker recruitment and university admissions. He has also criticised plans to tighten rules on non-Muslim places of worship in Selangor.

Anwar said Lee had been absent from party activities for about a year. Lee denies this and says he was punished for speaking his mind.

There is speculation he could join Bersama, a new party founded by Rafizi Ramli. Lee has not confirmed his next move.