Rahim Thamby Chik applied to join PPBM

Former Melaka Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Rahim Thamby Chik announced his resignation from UMNO on December 14. On the same day, he revealed that he had submitted his application form to join PPBM.

In return, Ayer Keroh (Melaka) assemblyman Khoo Poay Tiong urged PPBM chairman Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to reject Rahim Thamby Chik’s application. Khoo brought up the past, stating that Rahim was allegedly conducted a statutory rape when he was the state Chief Minister in 1994. Plus, Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng was jailed under the Sedition Act 1948 and Printing Presses and Publication 1984 when he spoke out for the victim.

Besides, Khoo also pointed out that Rahim was the man behind the attempt of smearing Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s image by spreading a fake sex video back in 2011.

When we look into Rahim media exposure, he was actually quiet in the media throughout the year until recently on December 14 when he made his departure from UMNO. He was not active during GE-14 electoral season. Regardless, it is understandable as he did not contest for any seat in the general election.

Nevertheless, his coverage in the media prior to quitting UMNO was often associated with negative sentiments. First, his defamation lawsuit towards Mohamad Sabu was settled. Previously, Mat Sabu made statements on Rahim’s past rape allegation. Despite winning the trial, it reminded the public that he was once linked to statutory rape.

Next, his name was also mentioned along with Rafidah Aziz in a document by Anti-Corruption Agency. The document was first disclosed to the public in 2002. Earlier this year, the story resurfaced again in March.

Interestingly, in October, there was a rumour stating that a former Melaka Chief Minister will leave the party. Subsequently, Rahim was named along with several other former Chief Ministers. Today, this rumour turned out to be true.

Rahim submitted 100 application forms to PPBM Melaka state chairman Mohd Redzuan Md Yusof when he submitted his own application. He also said that he will help PPBM to increase its membership. Besides, he is considered as a “retired” politician since he is no longer contesting in the past general election. Like Rafidah, he was one of the top UMNO leaders during the first Mahathir’s era. He was also aligned with Tun Mahathir when UMNO was split into two in 1987. Therefore, it is most likely that his application to join PPBM will be accepted.