PKR defectors form new party sans Azmin, Zuraida

Independent backbenchers Steven Choong (above, left) and Larry Sng (above, right) are in the midst of setting up a new political vehicle called Parti Bangsa Malaysia.

Setting their sights on GE15, Choong told Malaysiakini that his new party will be multiracial.

“The emphasis is on women and youth, where we will give them major roles in everything,” he added.

The Tebrau MP explained that this was a joint initiative with Julau MP Sng, clarifying that it did not involve fellow ex-PKR politicians Mohamed Azmin Ali and Zuraida Kamaruddin.

“They are not involved [...]

“This was initiated by the two of us. Of course, we offer an invitation to anyone who is interested or who identifies with our ideology.

“But we will not go and pitch people,” he said.

This comes amidst speculation that Azmin and Zuraida - presently Bersatu supreme council members and cabinet ministers - may establish a new political party.

Zuraida previously dismissed this as a “rumour” but did not outrightly deny it when doorstepped by the media.

PKR sacked its deputy Azmin and vice president Zuraida in Feb 2020 over their role in the Sheraton Move coup. Nine other PKR MPs then quit to join the duo in backing the Perikatan Nasional administration.

Choong and Sng both defected from PKR in Feb this year to become pro-PN independents.

ROS hurdle

While Choong hopes to launch Parti Bangsa Malaysia next month in December, one crucial hurdle remains in the way - getting approval from the Registrar of Societies (ROS).

Since submitting their registration application “four to five months ago”, they have yet to finalise a name or a constitution.

Their initial idea to name it “Parti Negara Malaysia” was rejected, Choong lamented.

Now, they need to deal with a protest lodged by Parti Ikatan Bangsa Malaysia for having a name that is too similar.

Despite having long-time Sarawak politician Sng on board, Choong said Parti Bangsa Malaysia will not be participating in the upcoming state election.

“We definitely want to be in GE15. Anything before that, I don’t think we can.

“But hopefully (we will be) in time for GE15,” he said.

Sng was more tight-lipped when asked about his new party.

“A proper announcement shall be made in the coming weeks,” he said briefly when contacted.  - Mkini