KUALA LUMPUR – After spending over a year as an independent representative following his exit from Pejuang, Simpang Renggam MP Maszlee Malik officially joined PKR’s fold today.
In a “Jelajah Presiden” (president’s tour) event attended by party president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in Kluang today, Maszlee revealed that he was once registered as a PKR member in 2017 under the Ampang branch.
“Unfortunately, at that time, I was heavy-hearted to continue my journey and involvement in the political party, especially in case I had to leave academia,” he said in a speech before handing in his application form to Anwar.
The former education minister also admitted that many have questioned his motives in joining a party which was heavily defeated in the recent Melaka polls.
He expressed appreciation at having been “called” to help bring change when PKR is in its current state and is not as popular as before, especially after its defeat in Melaka.
“Some mocked the party’s loss, while the president has been attacked from all sides by opponents and a handful of friends.
“What’s even more unfortunate is that some have made fun of the meaning of joining PKR at a time when it is weak and not made to be an option,” he said.
“I tell them, this is the price of a struggle,” he said. “I do not want to be an opportunist who only joins or changes parties to get a position or to be rewarded.”
Maszlee entered politics as a Bersatu member, winning the Simpang Renggam parliamentary seat in the 2018 general election.
He was then appointed as education minister but resigned in January 2020.
He was later sacked from Bersatu soon after the Sheraton Move last year that saw the collapse of the Pakatan Harapan administration.
He then joined Pejuang for a few months before becoming independent.
Meanwhile, Anwar welcomed Maszlee into PKR’s ranks with open arms, praising the new member for being courageous to join the party at a time when some are cynical about its crusade.
“Today, we receive good news and we welcome a young figure, with the potential and high hopes to venture into politics, who has chosen to be with PKR.
“I salute his brazen attitude and determination to choose (PKR) in times like this,” the Port Dickson MP said.
In the Melaka election last Saturday, PH was left to lick its wounds after winning only five out of the 28 seats up for grabs. Four of the seats were won by candidates from DAP while one was secured by an Amanah candidate.
The sound defeat, which meant a wipeout for Anwar’s PKR, was seen by some as a severe blow to the opposition coalition. – The Vibes, November 27, 2021
