KUALA LUMPUR, THURS:
Two more former senior leaders of Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) today applied to join Umno by handing in their application forms to Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
The two applicants were former PKR Permatang Pauh division head Anuar Shaari and former national Keadilan Youth exco member Khairul Anuar Ramli.
In a brief ceremony at his office in Parliament House, Najib, who is also the Deputy Prime Minister, said the application forms from the two came one day after former PKR Youth head Mohamad Ezam Mohd Nor’s application to join Umno was received.
“Anuar’s application will be brought to the Umno Supreme Council for approval as he had been a member of Umno previously while Khairul Anuar’s application need not be referred as he had never joined Umno before.
“It’s just a coincidence. Anuar had seen me long ago,” he told reporters after receiving the Umno membership application forms from the duo.
Asked whether there was a possibility of more PKR members joining Umno subsequently, Najib said the people could make their own interpretation and conclusion.
Also present at the ceremony was Malaysian Indian United Party (MIUP) president Datuk S Nallakaruppan which raised questions about his application to join the Barisan Nasional.
“I’m not certain whether it was discussed but the party (MIUP) will cooperate with Barisan Nasional. The question of joining the BN must follow procedures,” Najib said.
Meanwhile, Anuar said at a press conference shortly after that he had left PKR one year ago and no longer belonged to any party before rejoining Umno.
“I made the decision after comparing Umno with PKR as I have been a member of both parties. Thus, I must return to the roots of my struggles for the race and religion,” said Anuar who had previously served as Private Secretary to the Finance Minister from 1996 until Sept 2, 1998.
He had also served as political secretary to the president of Parti Keadilan Nasional (PKR had not existed then) from 1999 to 2000.
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