Zaid has joined PKR, says Anwar

KAJANG: Former Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Zaid Ibrahim has joined Parti Keadilan Rakyat.

PKR adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim who made the announcement during the party’s special convention to amend the party constitution, said Zaid’s inclusion will boost PKR’s agenda to promote democracy and freedom of expression.

He added that Zaid was known to be vocal against the Government’s arbitrary use of the Internal Security Act (ISA).

Zaid had resigned from the Government last year due to dissatisfaction over the use of the ISA on a reporter, a web portal editor, and a Selangor state executive council member.

In welcoming Zaid on Saturday, Anwar commended him for his bravery in fighting for human rights, democratic principles and for the independence and reform of the judiciary.

“Zaid’s close friendship with colleagues from PKR, DAP and PAS will help strengthen the inter-party relations in the Pakatan Rakyat.

“His role in PKR will be formalised by the leadership later. Due to his experience Zaid may be given a seat in the supreme council and head the political bureau,” he told reporters.

Zaid said he had decided to join PKR and not the DAP or PAS as his political ideals were similar to PKR which he described as a multiracial party that fights for the rights of Malaysians.

“I choose this day to join because this is also a historical day for PKR (to amend its constitution). I’m offering my services as I also have friends in Pakatan Rakyat component parties, and I know Anwar is a good man,” he added.

Zaid resigned from the Government in September last year in protest after he criticised the arrests of DAP MP Teresa Kok, online portal editor Raja Petra Kamarudin, and Sin Chew Daily journalist Tan Hoon Cheng under the ISA.

The former Kota Baru MP was also seen mingling with Pakatan leaders at their functions before he was sacked from Umno in December last year.