Cabinet line-up not adversely affected by Zuraida’s departure: academic 

KUALA LUMPUR – The decision by Ampang MP Datuk Zuraida Kamaruddin to exit Bersatu and join fledgling outfit Parti Bangsa Malaysia (PBM) will not affect the cabinet line-up of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, said an academic.

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) political analyst Prof Kartini Aboo Talib said that Ismail Sabri continues to retain a majority of 116 MPs from the various parties that formed the previous Perikatan Nasional administration.

She said that Barisan Nasional, PAS, Bersatu, Gabungan Parti Sarawak and Gabungan Parti Sabah still collectively retain the majority in Parliament even though Zuraida has expressed her intention to leave for PBM.

“Zuraida would be branded as an opportunist. She would be questioned about her objective and intentions as a leader to leave for PBM,” said Kartini in an interview with The Vibes’ Bahasa Malaysia sister portal Getaran.

“Previously she left PKR to join Bersatu and now she is joining PBM. As a result of her actions, she will be accused of being a leader who is unfaithful, has no principles and no stand.”

Kartini opines that Zuraida is leaving Bersatu because she wants a party with membership open to all ethnic groups in Malaysia.

“Bersatu is a Malay-dominant party. At the same time, there are former Umno and PKR leaders in that party so it makes Zuraida uncomfortable.”

Prospects to take over Zuraida’s ministerial position

Meanwhile, UKM’s political science senior lecturer Jamaie Hamil said that Zuraida’s action of leaving Bersatu gives a strong signal that the proposed anti-hopping legislation needs to be expedited for tabling in Parliament.

However, he said that the implementation of the bill depends on the political will of the party that forms the government after the 15th general election.

“Now it seems that the tabling of the legislation remains uncertain. It is in and out of Parliament so it is unclear,” he added.

“Everything depends on the political will of the parties after the next election.”

Asked about who from Bersatu can take over the soon-vacant post of plantation industries and commodities minister, Jamaie said that in his opinion there are two seasoned leaders who can fill the post.

He named Tanah Merah MP Datuk Seri Ikmal Hisham Abdul Aziz and Jeli MP Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed.

Mustapa is currently a minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Economy) while Ikmal Hisham is a deputy defence minister.

“Perhaps a swap or a change in portfolio can be done to allow either of the two to fill Zuraida’s ministerial post.”

Jamaie also said that it can be considered that Zuraida performed well as a minister.

“She seemed to have done well during the Pakatan Harapan era (May 2018 to February 2020) followed by when (former prime minister) Tan Sri Muhyiddin’s cabinet took over (March 2020 to August 2021) and now under (current prime minister) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri’s leadership.”

PBM’s ideals more attractive

Earlier, Zuraida declared that she was leaving Bersatu and her ministerial post. She said she wants to join PBM as she is attracted to the party’s six core principles.

The six principles are multi-racial involvement, empowerment of women, youth empowerment, economic development, education enhancement and the advancement of science and technology.

She said that she sees much potential in PBM.

“God willing, my participation and experience in PBM will help elevate the party to a higher level, especially ahead of the next election.”

“My participation will also fill the void of women’s leadership. Since the establishment of PBM, it is seen to be getting stronger and it now has MPs and assemblymen.”

Zuraida also said that she will continue to support Ismail Sabri’s government.

Speaking to reporters in Tokyo today, the prime minister said that Zuraida’s fate will be decided at the cabinet meeting this Wednesday. He clarified that she has not yet handed in her resignation and that he has not fired her. – The Vibes, May 28, 2022