The Malaysian Insight

IT is up to the PKR leadership to decide on former Umno man Salleh Said Keruak’s application to join the party, said Nurul Izzah Anwar.

The former PKR vice-president said she has nothing to comment about Salleh’s application.

“I think the party communications director (Fahmi Fadzil) has issued a statement on the matter. Please refer the matter to the party leadership,” she said after an event in Permatang Pauh today.

She said she is only the party’s Permatang Pauh division chief and questions on Salleh’s application should not be referred to her.

Former Sabah chief minister Salleh today confirmed that he had applied to join PKR as his political ideologies were in tandem with the party’s multicultural nature.

He said his aim was to assist PKR in bringing about progressive, multi-racial progressive politics that prioritise stability and simplicity, especially in Sabah.

It is believed that Salleh has applied to join the party without the knowledge and consent of the Sabah PKR leadership, state party officials said.

Yesterday, Fahmi confirmed Salleh had submitted his application to join the party online.

He said PKR’s political bureau will discuss whether to accept or reject the application of Salleh, who previously was a strong ally of former prime minister Najib Razak.

“Based on records, I understand the party did indeed receive a membership application from him online.

“Nevertheless, the PKR political bureau will discuss and consider the matter in its coming meeting,” Fahmi said in a statement.

Nurul Izzah had stepped down as vice-president and Penang chief in December 2018.

At that time, her father and party president Anwar Ibrahim said she was unhappy with Pakatan Harapan parties accepting defecting leaders from Umno, especially to Bersatu. – October 6, 2019.