PKR must learn from the defection of its Tangga Batu division's women chief to Umno so that the party can be improved, says vice-president Zuraida Kamaruddin.

Speaking at a press conference in Putrajaya today, Zuraida stressed that while PKR cannot stop anyone from quitting, it should take heed of such moves as it could be due to the inherent weaknesses of the party.

"People entering and leaving the party is normal. It is up to their tastes and needs.

"We will not stop anyone from making the decision to leave the party and join another.

"However, if this transpired from the party's own weaknesses, we should learn from this to improve the situation," she said.

Zuraida was asked to comment on Tangga Batu PKR Wanita chief Rohanie Mahmud announcing her resignation from the party to join Umno last Saturday.

"Let us struggle sincerely from our hearts because everything we do is seen and judged by the public," she said in her announcement, which was posted on her Facebook page.

"Don't politick with favouritism. Don't look for people only when you need them. Don't politick with sweet promises."

An internal source told Malaysiakini that the resignations of Rohanie and Kota Melaka PKR Wanita chief Laila Madon – who ostensibly quit on health grounds – was allegedly due to unhappiness with the Malacca PKR leadership.

Yesterday, Malacca PKR women's chief Ginie Lim said that she would investigate the real reason behind Rohanie's resignation.