Azmin shuts door on PKR return

 Former PKR deputy president Azmin Ali was sacked from the party in February 2020 following his involvement in the Sheraton Move.

Bersatu secretary-general Azmin Ali said Bersatu is the best platform for his political career.

PETALING JAYA:

Former PKR deputy president Azmin Ali has ruled out returning to his former party despite president Anwar Ibrahim’s call to former leaders and activists to rejoin the party.

Azmin was sacked from PKR in February 2020 following his involvement in the Sheraton Move, which saw Bersatu’s exit from Pakatan Harapan that ultimately led to the collapse of the PH government.

Despite the recent struggles Bersatu has faced, Azmin, the party’s secretary-general, said that Bersatu is the best platform for his political career, reported Berita Harian.

“Bersatu’s time will come. (It has to) keep working with sincerity,” said the Hulu Kelang assemblyman.

Bersatu has seen a wave of defections following the sacking of its then deputy president, Hamzah Zainudin, in February. Hamzah now leads Wawasan.

Bersatu was dealt another blow early last month when PAS terminated its political cooperation with the party.

While both parties remain in Perikatan Nasional, Bersatu decided to contest under its own logo in the Negeri Sembilan polls after PAS led the coalition into a pact with Barisan Nasional.

Speaking at PKR’s national congress earlier this month, Anwar urged the party’s veterans to rejoin the party and continue its struggle for reform.

Former PKR vice-presidents Tian Chua and Dr Xavier Jayakumar have since confirmed their return, fuelling speculation that more former party leaders would follow suit. - FMT