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Ampang member of parliament (MP) Zuraida Kamaruddin has left Bersatu, which she joined after quitting PKR in February 2020, to now join a newly launched multiracial party, Parti Bangsa Malaysia (PBM)
In a statement issued today, 26 May, the Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister said that she has been thinking about national politics and the future direction of her politics over the last few months.
“After much consideration, I have decided to join PBM. I believe in the struggle of this party and am deeply impressed by its core principles,” read the statement posted on her Facebook page.
According to Zuraida, the reason she’s joining PBM is because of the party’s 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 stifled 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 fill the void of women’s leadership in the country,” she said, adding that PBM now has several MPs.
PBM, which was launched on 21 December last year, is headed by former PKR member Larry Sng, who is Julau MP. With Zuraida’s entry to the party, PBM currently has three MPs and two state assemblypersons.
Zuraida, who is currently abroad, said that she will soon meet with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob to discuss her resignation from her Cabinet post
According to her, she continues to support the government led by Ismail Sabri.
“I will meet with Ismail Sabri soon to discuss my resignation as the Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister. I will also discuss the role and direction of PBM to further strengthen the ‘Keluarga Malaysia’ government. I have full confidence in the wisdom of the Prime Minister,” she added.
Zuraida is currently in Turkey and will only return on 2 June. Ismail is currently in Japan.
In her statement, Zuraida also thanked Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin for appointing her as a Cabinet minister
“I would like to thank Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, and Ismail Sabri for their trust in appointing me as a Cabinet member. Throughout my service, I have done my best and brought about numerous positive changes to the people and their lives. I also want to thank everyone for the solid support I received throughout my service in both ministries,” she said.