Zuraida yet to officially notify Bersatu she is quitting, says sec-gen Hamzah

PUTRAJAYA: Datuk Zuraida Kamaruddin has yet to officially inform Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) that she is leaving, says party secretary-general Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin.

He said the Ampang MP was given a show-cause letter on May 9 to explain her involvement in Parti Bangsa Malaysia (PBM) activities.

"She was given two weeks to respond and did so in a letter dated May 23," he said on Thursday (May 26).

Hamzah said that in the letter, Zuraida said the setting up of PBM was not a new issue and that she rejected accusations that she was a member of the party "as of now".

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"However, two weeks ago Bersatu president (Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin) had agreed to replace Zuraida as an appointed member of the supreme council.

"The decision was made after the show-cause letter was written but she was not informed as we were waiting for her response to the letter," he added.

Asked if Zuraida’s resignation affected Bersatu, Hamzah pointed out that she had failed to attend more than six meetings over the past few months.

"This shows that she doesn't care. To me she has shown her true colours. It is not about the party, it is not about coming together to pursue our agenda and struggles," he added.

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Hamzah said Zuraida’s post as Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister should be filled by someone else from the party.

"The party president is responsible to determine who among Bersatu's members becomes part of the Cabinet, with the agreement of the Prime Minister.

"If she is no longer a minister, the candidate for the post should be from the party," he added.

Earlier, Zuraida announced that she had quit Bersatu to join PBM.

She said she would meet Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yakaob to discuss her resignation as minister.