CHRISTINA Liew’s position as Sabah PKR chairman is on shaky ground after a falling out with PKR division chiefs, said a party source.

“Most of the people in the divisions no longer favour her as chairman,” a source told The Malaysian Insight.

Liew’s reputation had been hit by claims of her complacency in defending the rights of the indigenous community.

In 2014, she was named as one of three individuals ordered to pay damages to Borneo Samudera Sdn Bhd for unlawfully inducing a group of smallholders in the Bahagak Smallholders’ Scheme to breach their joint venture agreement with the company.

Liew is appealing the court decision.

The position of the state party chairman is by appointment by the party president, and the process involves the calling of all 26 division chiefs to name their pick.

The previous selection of Sabah’s PKR chairman followed the resignation of Lajim Ukin, who formed his own party, Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah.

Two names were floated then – Liew’s and Roland Chia.

The duo represented the two factions in PKR, with Liew supporting Rafizi Ramli and Chia supporting deputy president Azmin Ali.

Another source said that PKR president-designate Anwar Ibrahim might consider two new names after the party election was over.

“The likely contender for Liew’s position is Tawau PKR chief Kong Hong Ming. Kong’s popularity has been growing steadily over the years.

“Kong is a senior lawyer and has helped thousands of villagers statewide in their native customary rights claim. This is why he is well liked,” said the source.

Kong is believed to be an Azmin supporter. –  September 4, 2018.