The rumour of Salleh Keruak joining PKR turned out to be true
The Malay Dignity Congress which was held on October 6 made headlines in the media as leaders from opposing political parties came together with the intention of uniting the Malays.
However, that was not the only big news happened over the weekend. Former UMNO member Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak revealed that he had filed an application to join PKR.
Previously, Salleh was rumoured to be jumping to PKR along with former Dewan Rakyat speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin.
The hearsay was first initiated when PKR president Datuk Sri Anwar Ibrahim was invited to a Malaysia Day celebration event organised by United Sabah Bajau Organisation (USBO).
Pandikar is the president of USBO, while Salleh is the organisation’s advisor. Then, Pandikar rubbished off the rumour, firmly saying that he and Salleh will not join PKR.
Regardless, Salleh confirmed that he filed an application to join PKR less than a month later.
The submission of the application was confirmed by PKR communication director Fahmi Fadzil. In addition, he said he has yet to hear any objection towards Salleh’s application.
Regardless, Fahmi elaborated that it will not be a surprise for party members to object Salleh’s application due to his influence in the nation’s political scene.
Salleh was a former UMNO strongman before Barisan Nasional’s defeat in GE-14. Previously, the former Sabah Chief Minister was appointed as Minister of Communications and Multimedia by former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak during his cabinet reshuffle in 2015.
Apart from Fahmi, PKR Perak chief Farhash Wafa Salvador Rizal Mubarak announced that the state division of PKR is willing to accept Salleh into the party with open arms. Farhash is also a political aide to Anwar.
In addition, Farhash described Salleh as someone who has wide experience and leadership qualities, suggesting that he would be a valuable addition to the party in terms of strengthening PKR, especially in Sabah.
Salleh’s application to join PKR will be discussed in the next political bureau meeting.