[UPDATED] Allow Zuraida to remain minister, PBM tells PM

AMPANG – Parti Bangsa Malaysia (PBM) is hoping the plantation industries and commodities portfolio will remain with Datuk Zuraida Kamaruddin despite her departure from Bersatu.

This is following Bersatu’s claim on the post, with the party insisting the seat should remain with it based on the cabinet quota previously agreed upon prior to the formation of the current government.

In a press conference today, PBM president Larry Sng said Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob should seriously consider keeping Zuraida based on her cabinet performance and her continuous support for the prime minister.

“PBM is part of Keluarga Malaysia (Malaysian Family) and we support the prime minister, that much is definite. As far as the prime minister’s decision is concerned, we will leave it up to him.

“But of course, PBM also hopes the prime minister will retain Zuraida based on her performance and considering her support (for the government).”

Zuraida, when asked at the event by reporters, also said she is open to the idea of completing her term in the cabinet, to continue serving the rakyat. 

“I haven’t received a date for a meeting with the prime minister yet, because he is busy right now seeking an audience with the Kedah sultan. I’m still waiting.”

On May 26, Zuraida announced that she is quitting Bersatu for PBM and that she will also relinquish her ministerial position pending discussion with Ismail Sabri. 

Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has since said he will nominate a replacement candidate for the post soon, claiming the seat should be returned to his party. 

Ismail Sabri, last Sunday, however said that at present, Zuraida remains a minister and that no date has been set for a meeting between the pair yet.

On Tuesday, Zuraida said she would leave her fate as cabinet member entirely to the prime minister.

Meanwhile, Sng said PBM will submit an official application to join Barisan Nasional (BN) in the near future, after having verbally expressed interest in joining the coalition. 

He confirmed that an informal discussion had also been held between the two political entities. 

“It is an ongoing process that we have already initiated. The result of the process, we will have to wait a bit to allow them (BN) to discuss and consider.” – The Vibes, June 9, 2022