Former PKR leaders spotted gathering at PJ hotel

Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah (left) and Datuk Kamaruddin Jaafar.

PETALING JAYA: Several former PKR leaders who are aligned to Datuk Seri Azmin Ali have been spotted gathering at a hotel here on Monday (Feb 24) night.

Indera Mahkota MP Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah and Bandar Tun Razak MP Datuk Kamaruddin Jaafar arrived at about 8pm and were seen shaking hands with supporters at the lobby.

Both leaders declined to talk to the press.

It is understood that Ampang MP Zuraida Kamaruddin and Batu Pahat MP Datuk Rashid Hasnon are also present in the meeting.

They were among 11 lawmakers who had earlier announced that they were leaving the party to become independents.

The group issued a statement earlier stating,"We, the MPs of PKR, announce our decision to leave PKR and the Pakatan Harapan coalition to form an independent bloc in Parliament," they said in a statement issued at 2.15pm Monday.

The statement was signed by MPs Azmin (Gombak), Zuraida (Ampang), Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah (indera Mahkota), Baru Bian (Selangau), Datuk Kamaruddin Jaafar (Bandar Tun Razak), Datuk Mansor Othman (Nibong Tebal), Datuk Rashid (Batu Pahat), Datuk Seri Santhara Kumar (Segamat), Ali Biju (Saratok), Willie Mongin (Puncak Borneo) and Jonathan Yasin (Ranau).

Among them are four full ministers.

The 11 MPs, aligned to Azmin, also held top positions in PKR and were against the faction of PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. - Star