Salleh ‘fully committed to reform agenda’, lets PKR decide membership

Former Umno senator Salleh Said Keruak has professed his commitment to PKR’s reform agenda and hopes to be given a chance to contribute to it.

In a statement on his blog last night, the ex-communications and multimedia minister said he understood why the party needed time to deliberate on his membership application.

“I understand and accept why the PKR Central Leadership needs some time to discuss on my membership.

“I hope to be given the opportunity to contribute with all my ability towards the advocation of progressive multiracial politics that emphasises stability and moderation, for Sabah specifically, and Malaysia in general.

“I would also give my full commitment and cooperation to the party in realising the reform agenda and politics of change for the benefit of the rakyat,” he said, adding that he left it to the party to discuss and consider his application.

Salleh also said that PKR President Anwar Ibrahim had personally “informed” him about his party membership.

He previously made a similar statement professing his support for the Pakatan Harapan component party’s “multiracial progressive” politics.

PKR has yet to decide whether to accept Salleh into the fold, but its online membership roll shows that his application has been marked as “lulus” (approved) and listed him as a member of the Kota Belud division.

His application to join PKR earlier this month came as a shock to many, including the party’s own Kota Belud division leaders. Several grassroots leaders have since stated their disapproval of his entry.

Salleh was a staunch defender of former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak during the 1MDB scandal.

In GE14, he contested the Kota Belud seat but lost to Warisan’s Isnaraissah Munirah Majlis.

In Dec 2018, he and other Sabah Umno leaders quit the party.