Ampang MP Zuraida Kamaruddin has left Bersatu for Parti Bangsa Malaysia (PBM) and will remain supportive of Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
In a statement, she said she decided to join PBM because of its principles of multiracial engagement, women empowerment, youth empowerment, economic development, education, and the advancement of science and technology as elements to make Malaysia a developed country.
"I see a lot of potential in PBM, especially at a time when Malaysians are tired of the old politics, which stifle the progress of the country.
"God willing, my participation, as well as experience, will help steer PBM to greater heights, especially ahead of the upcoming general election. My participation will also help fill the void of women leadership in the country.
"Since its establishment, PBM has been getting stronger and now has several members of Parliament and state assemblypersons in its ranks," she said.
PBM was launched on Dec 21 last year and is headed by Julau MP Larry Sng. With Zuraida's entry to the party, PBM currently has three MPs and two state assemblypersons.
There has been speculation of Zuraida's departure from Bersatu since late last year, along with rumours of her fallout with the party leadership.
These speculations intensified after a large number of members from Penggerak Komuniti Negara - an association led by Zuraida's known associates - officially joined PBM.
Resigning from cabinet?
Meanwhile, Zuraida said she will meet Ismail Sabri soon to discuss her resignation as the plantation industries and commodities minister.
"I will also discuss with him about the role and direction of PBM in strengthening the Keluarga Malaysia government. I have full confidence in the wisdom of the prime minister," she said.
Zuraida said she is currently abroad and will only return on June 2. As for Ismail Sabri, he is currently in Japan on official duty.
In her statement, Zuraida also thanked Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Muhyiddin Yassin for appointing her as a cabinet minister in their respective administrations.
During the second Mahathir administration, Zuraida was once among the most powerful female politicians in the country, holding the position of PKR vice-president and cabinet minister in charge of housing and local government.
In February 2020, she and nine other PKR MPs defected to Bersatu to be part of the Muhyiddin Yassin administration.
By February this year, some news reports suggested that Zuraida was being sidelined by Bersatu's leadership.
Zuraida also played a low-key role in campaigning during the Malacca and Johor state elections. - Mkini
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