PKR readmits three former MPs amid fresh departures

 

Three former PKR MPs have been readmitted to the party, according to sources, as it faces a fresh wave of departures among its federal lawmakers.

Malaysiakini understands that the party’s central leadership council approved appeals from former Segamat MP Edmund Santhara Kumar Ramanaidu, former Bandar Tun Razak MP Kamarudin Jaffar, and former Tebrau MP Steven Choong at its Sept 27 meeting.

Santhara and Kamarudin broke with PKR during the Sheraton Move in February 2020 and subsequently joined Bersatu. Choong left the party in February 2021 to support then prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin’s government as an independent.

One letter sighted by Malaysiakini confirmed that their membership had been restored, allowing them to resume party activities and responsibilities, subject to PKR’s constitution and rules.

However, it stated that the readmission did not alter the party’s position on a bond signed before the 2018 general election.

“However, the party’s policy remains unchanged with regard to accountability for the bond that you signed on April 24, 2018.

“Any matters arising from this are subject to discussions between you, the treasurer-general and the president,” it stated.

The bond refers to an undertaking PKR required its candidates to sign ahead of the election, under which successful candidates could be liable to pay RM10 million if they quit, joined another party, or became independents while retaining their elected seats.

The undertaking was tested in PKR’s suit against former Ampang MP Zuraida Kamaruddin (below).

In December 2024, the Court of Appeal upheld the finding that she had breached the bond but reduced the amount payable from RM10 million to RM100,000.

The Federal Court reserved judgment on PKR’s appeal against the reduction on Sept 14, 2026.

Some return as others leave

The latest readmissions follow former Kuala Langat MP Dr Xavier Jayakumar’s confirmation in August that he had returned to PKR, following party president Anwar Ibrahim’s invitation to former members to rejoin.

Former Batu MP Tian Chua has also said he wants his membership reinstated.

Malaysiakini has contacted Santhara, Kamarudin, Choong, and PKR secretary-general Fuziah Salleh for comment.

Their return comes amid the departures of four MPs elected on PKR’s ticket: Lee Chean Chung (Petaling Jaya), Rafizi Ramli (Pandan), Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad (Setiawangsa), and Wong Chen (Subang), who have also announced their resignations as lawmakers.

Selangor PKR strategic director Yahya Shaari said in a statement that the four lawmakers’ decisions did not mean Anwar or the Madani government had lost the people’s mandate.

“The prime minister must continue to be given the space and support to focus on the much larger agenda - the national economy, the cost of living, employment opportunities, institutional reform, governance, investment, education, public welfare, and Malaysia’s international standing.

“Political differences within a party can occur. But do not allow differences within the party to disrupt government stability and the interests of the people,” Yahya said.

Commenting on the departures, Umno supreme council member Razlan Rafii earlier today called for a snap general election to return the mandate to voters as the parliamentary term approaches its fourth year. - Mkini