Maszlee formally joins PKR

 

Simpang Renggam MP Maszlee Malik has officially chosen PKR as his new political platform.

He formally announced his move in a function to hand over his membership form to PKR president Anwar Ibrahim in Simpang Renggam, Johor today.

"Today I bring a message to youths and others my age that there is still hope. We still have hope to rise and bring change.

"So it is on this ground that I, just like all of you, ordinary people who desire change, made this major decision to join PKR," he said to cheers of "Reformasi!" from the gathered audience.

"Today I, my family, my supporters, extended family in Simpang Renggam… 500 from Simpang Renggam will hand over our forms to join PKR," he said.

Maszlee personally handed his form to Anwar and received in return a mock PKR membership card. The function ended with Maszlee putting on PKR's light blue t-shirt.

The former education minister during Harapan's time in Putrajaya had quit Bersatu alongside former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad, but remained an independent MP even after the formation of Pejuang.

In his speech, Maszlee described his entry into PKR as a battle for the country.

"At a time when PKR is in a situation where its popularity is not encouraging, particularly after its loss in the Malacca polls, I feel nudged to do something to push for change.

"There were those who sneered, why do I want to join a losing party? In fact, its president is being attacked from all angles, not only by rivals but also some considered friends," he said.

"It is even more unfortunate there were those who questioned what would be the meaning of me joining PKR at a time when the party is weak and not the preferred choice.

"To them, and to all the people, I would like to say, this is the price of struggle," he said.

Maszlee added that while a "political frog" will jump from one party to the next in exchange for rewards, positions, and money, it would be a different story if the decision was made by someone whose struggles are truly for the country.

"When we take a step with a losing party, at a time when it is weak, in the name of the people, to return the reforms agenda, that is not a frog, that is a struggle for the country," he said.

Maszlee was a former academician who made his political debut in Simpang Renggam after joining Bersatu under Mahathir's leadership.

He rose to the rank of a Bersatu supreme council member before his sacking in May last year following internal conflict sparked by the party's decision to break apart from Harapan, triggering the Sheraton Move that saw Perikatan Nasional (PN)'s rise to power.

While being an independent MP, Maszlee had remained as the Harapan education committee chairperson.

Meanwhile, Anwar welcomed Maszlee as representing a younger generation to strengthen PKR.

On whether Maszlee will be chosen to defend his seat, Anwar said the matter will be discussed at a later time.

"His record as an MP who often goes down to the ground will help, and I believe all that will be taken into consideration," said Anwar.

Meanwhile, Anwar also dismissed reported rumours of him eyeing a federal seat to contest in Johor for GE15.

"As usual this is too premature. People are reading (into this visit) because I came to Kluang, Simpang Renggam [...] I am not saying no, I don't know," said the Port Dickson MP.

"What is certain is that we want to reclaim Johor," Maszlee added.

Online portal The Malay Mail yesterday quoted an anonymous Harapan source who said they were informed that Anwar's visit could see the opposition leader also eyeing potential seats for his move from Port Dickson.

The source reportedly said among potential seats include Tebrau, Segamat, and Batu Pahat, with a higher preference for Tebrau, currently held by former PKR MP Steven Choong who defected to be a PN-friendly independent MP. - Mkini