MORE high-profile individuals from opposition parties comprising current or former leaders are expected to leave their parties and join PKR.
Speaking with Utusan Malaysia in an interview, PKR secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the party had received applications from big names in the country’s political arena who are interested in joining the Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim-led party.
However, he stressed that PKR did not resort to element such as coercion or threats as the party believed the membership would be more valuable if it were the individual’s own choice.
“I can confirm that there are still those who have come to see and contacted us, either at my level or the president to express their intention (to join),” Saifuddin told the Malay daily.
“If there is news here and there about Bersatu members or others joining PKR, I view this as an ordinary matter as we receive them all the time.
“Each month when I attend the PKR Central Committee meeting, there will be a special agenda for the secretary-general to present the applications (to join the party) according to state and chapter from throughout the country.”
It was reported on Monday (March 11) that two former Bersatu leaders – former supreme council member Dr Muhammad Faiz Na’aman and former Dengkil assemblyman Adhif Syan Abdullah – had been accepted as PKR members.
Elaborating, Saifuddin said PKR has also set several conditions for the entry of high-profile individuals.
“So there has to be justification and explanation. It is true that several high-profile individuals had applied (to join PKR),” he remarked.
When asked to comment about a recent claim that hundreds of grassroot members from Bersatu are reportedly joining PKR for various reasons, including the inability to advance their political careers should they stay in Bersatu, Saifuddin said this is common occurrence.
“PKR is an inclusive party that is open to all. So the party will accept all applications once the central leadership council has given its approval. Such is the process,” he added. – March 13, 2024
Main pic credit: The Star
