Former PKR deputy president Azmin Ali has ruled out returning to his former party despite president Anwar Ibrahim’s call for former leaders and activists to rejoin PKR.
Azmin was sacked from PKR in February 2020 following his involvement in the Sheraton Move, which saw Bersatu leave Pakatan Harapan and ultimately contributed to the collapse of the PH government.
Despite the challenges currently facing Bersatu, Azmin, who is the party’s secretary-general, said the party remained the best platform for his political career, Berita Harian reported.
“Bersatu’s time will come. (It has to) keep working with sincerity,” said the Hulu Kelang assemblyman.
Bersatu faces defections and political setbacks
Bersatu has experienced a wave of defections following the sacking of its then deputy president Hamzah Zainudin in February. Hamzah now leads Wawasan.
The party suffered another setback in June when PAS terminated its political cooperation with Bersatu.
Although both parties remain part of Perikatan Nasional, Bersatu decided to contest the Negeri Sembilan polls under its own logo after PAS led the coalition into a pact with Barisan Nasional.
Former PKR leaders return to the party
Speaking at PKR’s national congress earlier this month, Anwar urged party veterans to return to PKR and continue its struggle for reform.
Former PKR vice-presidents Tian Chua and Xavier Jayakumar have since confirmed their return to the party, fuelling speculation that more former leaders could follow suit.
