Bersatu Youth chief Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal said Zuraida’s departure from the party was “mutual” and that there was “no bad blood”, despite the criticism levelled against her by some party colleagues.

Wan Fayhsal said Zuraida’s move to Parti Bangsa Malaysia (PBM) had been widely expected by the Bersatu leadership, as it was clear that she was the prime mover behind the creation of PBM last October.

The senator said a show cause letter had been sent to her over her alleged involvement in PBM, and her resignation today was proof that she was involved in the newly formed party all along.

“We thank her for her services as a Bersatu minister, she has done a tremendous job during her short stint. As for who is going to replace her as a minister, it shall be someone from Bersatu.

“This is as agreed between our president Muhyiddin Yassin and the prime minister (Ismail Sabri Yaakob). So the prerogative remains with the prime minister and Muhyiddin,” the deputy national unity minister told FMT.

Meanwhile, Bersatu information chief Wan Saiful Wan Jan said Muhyiddin would be nominating a suitable candidate from the party to replace Zuraida in the Cabinet.

He also took a dig at Zuraida, saying the Ampang MP seemed to be acting in her own interests  when there was a need for political stability in the nation.

This morning, Zuraida, who is the plantation industries and commodities minister, announced that she was leaving Bersatu to join PBM.

She also said she will be meeting Ismail soon to discuss her resignation from the Cabinet, though she will continue to support his government.

Zuraida had joined Bersatu after being sacked from PKR in the wake of the Sheraton Move in 2020.

Rumours that she would be leaving Bersatu for PBM had been swirling since late last year, with the former PKR vice-president speculated to lead the party currently helmed by Julau MP Larry Sng.

In December, she said she had not received any offers to join any party but added that “any offer must be considered”.