Zuraida denies being 'problematic', explains move to PBM

PETALING JAYA: Datuk Zuraida Kamaruddin refutes allegations that she was a “problematic” member when she was in Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia.

In response to a show-cause letter issued by the party, the Ampang MP defended herself from accusations of joining Parti Bangsa Malaysia (PBM), while being a member of Bersatu.

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"In my discussions with the president (Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin), I spoke about the idea of establishing a new multiracial party to provide added value and be a subsidiary to Bersatu. This will increase support for Bersatu.

"This is because PBM’s background with the support of the grassroots who numbered 400,000 people would definitely benefit Bersatu," she told a Malay daily.

Zuraida received a show-cause letter on May 11 for repeatedly participating in PBM activities that violated the party's discipline, and she gave her answer on May 23.

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On May 26, Zuraida announced her intention to resign as the Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister, after leaving Bersatu to join PBM.

Muhyiddin was later reported to have said that Zuraida's membership in Bersatu was terminated and a new name would be submitted to the Prime Minister in the near future to be appointed as a Cabinet member.

He said this was because Zuraida's membership was on Bersatu’s quota.

Bersatu supreme council member Muhammad Faiz Na’aman was reported saying that Zuraida was found to have been involved in the activities of other parties and did not help the party in the Melaka and Johor state elections.

Zuraida said that problems arose when former PKR members who wanted to join Bersatu were not accepted and their memberships were even delayed.

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She said this group, which consisted of political activists with extensive experience and key positions in the party, was not fully utilised to assist the development of Bersatu.

"We seem to be marginalised and the real potential cannot be highlighted, which is ultimately a loss for Bersatu,” she said.

In dismissing the allegation that she joined PBM while still with Bersatu, Zuraida asked the secretary-general's office to submit evidence to support the allegation.

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“My relationships, activities and movements are outside my political capacity with non-governmental organisation - Pertubuhan Penggerak Komuniti Negara (PKN) - which I established as early as 2018 to strengthen my relationship with communities throughout the country and that matter cannot be used as a basis for this accusation.

"The decision of the majority of PKR leaders to join PBM should not be blamed directly on me," she added.