LAWYER and activist Siti Kasim has joined Parti Bangsa Malaysia (PBM), marking her first entry into formal party politics while insisting she will retain the freedom to criticise those in power, including members of her own party.
Siti, who contested the Batu parliamentary seat as an independent candidate in the 15th general election (GE15), said she had previously stayed out of political parties because she valued the freedom to express her views and act according to her conscience.
She said she agreed to join PBM after its leadership assured her that her independence would be respected.
“I agreed to join PBM because its leadership has agreed to respect that independence. I will remain free to express my views and pursue the causes I believe in.
“My principles and my voice are not conditions I am prepared to surrender for political membership,” she said in a Facebook post.
Siti said joining a political party would not give its members immunity from scrutiny or criticism.
“Joining a party does not mean giving anyone a free pass. I will continue to speak up against injustice and hold those in power accountable, including those on my own side,” she said.
She said she would continue advocating for the Orang Asli community, constitutional freedoms, equality and marginalised groups in her new role as a PBM member.
Siti was among four independent candidates who contested Batu in GE15, where Pakatan Harapan's P. Prabakaran retained the seat with a majority of 22,241 votes. Siti received 653 votes and lost her election deposit.
Her entry into PBM marks a shift from the independent political platform she adopted in GE15, when she contested under the Gerak Independent movement.
Siti has been an outspoken advocate on issues including Orang Asli rights, constitutional freedoms and religious freedom, and has previously called for a separation between religion and government.
In July 2023, police confirmed that an improvised explosive device had been found under her car during a routine service, with an investigation subsequently launched. - October 2, 2026
