KUALA LUMPUR – Kamarazaman Yaakob’s new political party, Parti Kuasa Rakyat, has been the talk of town for the past few days.
Led by the elder brother of Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, speculation has been rife that the prime minister is somewhat involved in the new party.
However, in an interview with Malaysiakini, Kamarazaman said his younger brother had no inkling of his new political outfit – not until the launch was made known to the public.
“This party was not planned together (with my brother), no. He found out about this party when the news came out.
“Is it a coincidence? It is coincidental that this party was established after he became the prime minister. I had planned to form this party two years ago.
“Whether it was ordained by Allah SWT, I don’t know. But finally, this party will be able to share our ideology and thoughts and will be launched today.”
Kamarazaman, who is a veteran activist, said his multiracial party will not oppose Umno, but instead, is friendly to Barisan Nasional (BN).
“I don’t see anything negative happening to Ismail Sabri, his position or his leadership. If I created a Malay party that clearly goes against Umno, then of course, it is negative for him.
“But if I lead a multiracial party that BN no longer has, this can be seen from a positive perspective and can contribute and support BN.
“There are Chinese and Indian voters who may not like those two parties (DAP and PKR) or someone who is going nowhere, but when there is a multiracial party that has a clear crusade, maybe they will come and support us and this definitely benefits BN and the government as well,” he said.
Asked if he is merely riding on his younger brother’s popularity and success, Kamarazaman said he is not one to share the limelight or receive political positions from his siblings.
“I was born as someone who is confident in himself in all matters including life, education, student movements and politics.
“This was proven as I was educated in politics before him and even in national politics, I was involved before him. In setting up this party as well, I started this journey two years ago when he (Ismail Sabri) was in the opposition.”
Meanwhile, on his brother’s ability to helm the nation, Kamarazaman said it is apparent that Ismail Sabri, who has a fairly slim majority, is surrounded by concerns.
However, when the prime minister succeeded in signing the memorandum of understanding between his administration and the opposition, it shows he is capable of making wise decisions to ease tensions in the country’s political arena until January.
“This will give him space to implement what is in his mind and he has materialised this in the 12 Malaysia Plan and soon, the Budget.
“I think he is capable of facing the current situation and conditions and I have seen from before this; he is a calm, peaceful, easy going when faced with any political crisis.
“As a brother, I pray he will stay that way and be able to face uncomfortable situations in his political journey up to the next election,” said Kamarazaman.
No Azmin, Zuraida in Parti Kuasa Rakyat
In another Malaysiakini article, Kamarazaman said former leaders from PKR, Amanah, MIC and MCA will join his party.
“One of them is former Padang Serai MP N. Gobalakrishnan and another is Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Hassan, a former candidate and Kelantan PKR leader.
“There are also former candidates from Amanah, one was a three-time PAS candidate. There are also other former leaders and former parties, including from MIC and MCA.”
However, he said he has no intentions of poaching current party leaders, be it from PKR or Bersatu, to join his crusade.
“But (Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali and Datuk Zuraida Kamaruddin) will not (be joining), and I won’t poach any (current) party leaders, whether it is from my friend (Datuk Seri) Anwar Ibrahim’s party or Bersatu.
“I won’t do that. If I do, I will create trouble for Ismail Sabri. Plus, I trust and am confident in my team and line-up.
“Zuraida seems big (in stature), but when Ismail Sabri dissolves the Parliament, Zuraida will be no different than Kamarazaman. So, there is no need for me to poach any MPs.
“But I will welcome any independent MPs.” – The Vibes, October 10, 2021
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