Zuraida dismisses rumours of leaving Bersatu, plans to attend meetings

KUALA LUMPUR – Bersatu has yet to issue any official communiqué regarding Plantation Industries and Commodity Minister Datuk Zuraida Kamaruddin’s position in the party.

Speaking to The Vibes in an exclusive interview on Thursday, the Bersatu supreme council member said despite the ongoing rumours surrounding her position in the Umno splinter party, she will continue to go about her business as usual.

“There has been nothing official (coming) from the party. Loads of sources are saying otherwise, but nothing has been communicated to me, officially or unofficially.

“I am observing all the reports,” she said, adding that certain parties should stop playing up party politics when the country needs to continue its recovery.

When asked about her absence from the party’s recently held supreme council meetings, the Ampang MP cited her official engagements as a minister, which prevented her from attending the meetings.

“I recently came back from an official round-trip overseas, which included London, Dubai and Jeddah, on government business.

“It was unfortunate that I was unable to make it for the meetings,” she said, adding that she plans to do so when circumstances permit.

‘No idea why I’m being attacked in my own party’

In quashing the rumours further, she also reiterated her cordial relationship with Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

“Of course, we are on very good terms. I have no idea why I am being attacked in my own party.”

Her comments come after Malaysiakini reported that Bersatu supreme council member Muhammad Faiz Na’aman confirmed that the issue involving Zuraida’s membership had been brought up during the party’s meeting on January 25.

Zuraida has been reportedly linked to the newly formed Parti Bangsa Malaysia (PBM) following a group of Bersatu members – who are mostly supporters of the three-term MP – joining the said party. 

However, Faiz also said that Bersatu has not made any decision subject to further investigations conducted by the party.

Zuraida still in, says Bersatu info chief 

Meanwhile, Bersatu information chief Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan reportedly called on parties to await the official announcement in relation to Zuraida’s links to PBM.

Speaking to reporters following a party event in Muar on Wednesday, Wan Saiful said Zuraida remains the party’s supreme council member at present.

Loads of speculation on Zuraida. My view as party information chief is that the issue discussed during the party’s meeting should remain in the meeting.

“Otherwise, let us wait for any official announcement from the party if there is anything. If there is nothing, it is best that we ensure that Perikatan Nasional wins the Johor election,” he was quoted as saying by Berita Harian.

Additionally, Bersatu disciplinary council chairman Tan Sri Megat Najmuddin Megat Khas reportedly said the council has yet to receive any official written complaint on Zuraida so far. – The Vibes, February 4, 2022