[UPDATED] Bersatu co-founder Rais Hussin joins PKR

KUALA LUMPUR – Datuk Rais Hussin Mohamed Ariff is now a PKR member, announced party president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Rais, a co-founder of Bersatu, announced he had quit said party last week, citing that he has been an inactive member since 2020 after a heart procedure.

Anwar announced Rais’ membership during a press conference today, citing that the latter has mainly been mainly vocal within the academic sphere despite not being active in Bersatu.

“I believe in his ability (and) academic prowess that he can provide knowledge and framework to the party,” said Anwar.

In a brief speech, Rais said he still maintains the five core principles of reform, justice, inclusiveness, progressive, and just balance in his political pursuits, which include the formation of Bersatu way back in 2015.

Rais then said that Malaysia is now “at the tipping point” and needs effective solutions to climb out of its economic doldrums.

“We are not only saying that we want to save Malaysia but what solutions we can provide,” he said during the press conference.

When asked by the press whether Rais would be contesting under the PKR banner in the coming general election, Anwar stressed there have not been any such discussions and no conditions were set by any parties for the academic’s admission into the party.

Anwar also announced the membership of Mohamed Jidi Yaakob into the party.

Jidi is former Bera Umno information chief and had previously worked under caretaker prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob. – The Vibes, October 13, 2022