PKR to assess Ismail Kassim's sincerity before approving membership

PKR will assess the sincerity of former Perlis Umno leader Ismail Kassim's intention to join the party before approving his membership.

Kedah PKR chief Dr Azman Ismail confirmed that Ismail had submitted his application via the Pokok Sena division, but said that it would be up to the central political bureau to make a decision.

Perlis PKR, meanwhile, objected to the Tambun Tulang assemblyperson's move, saying it would not benefit the country.

While the matter has not yet been brought to the political bureau, one bureau member said that Ismail's application should not be accepted.

"In principle, we don't accept people like them, because they (were elected) on a different mandate, and we respect the mandate of the people. He shouldn't be accepted," the leader told Malaysiakini on condition of anonymity.

However, PKR vice-president Tian Chua said there are many things to consider before a decision can be made.

"We have to assess whether it is politically correct for him to jump (parties)... Until a few weeks ago he was the pillar of Umno in Perlis," he said.

Among others, Tian said PKR must assess whether Ismail genuinely identifies with its struggles or whether he is aiming for a party position.

On June 20, Ismail quit Umno, claiming he had lost faith in the party's leadership.

This followed a crisis in Perlis after the 14th general election, in which Ismail was rejected as a candidate to head the state government as menteri besar.

He tried to join Bersatu, but the state chapter rejected him, calling him an “enemy”.

He submitted his request to join PKR today, and said he wanted to just be a regular member.

Tian said that if Ismail were to be accepted into the party, he would likely not be allowed to hold any posts for a year. - Mkini