PETALING JAYA: Former Bersatu co-founder and Supreme Council member Rais Hussin is now a PKR member.
His entry into PKR comes a week after he announced his exit from Bersatu, which he co-founded in 2015.
PKR president Anwar Ibrahim announced this at a press conference with Rais today.
“My first day in PKR begins today. God willing, whatever I can do for the party, I will contribute,” said Rais.
When asked if Rais would be contesting in the next general election, Anwar said he had no intention to do so.
The former Malaysia Digital Economy Corp (MDEC) chairman is currently the president and CEO of EMIR Research, a think tank focused on strategic policy recommendations.
Last Friday, Rais said he had resigned from Bersatu as he had not been active in the party since 2020 following a heart procedure.
He also said he wanted to focus on developing the think tank.
“Previously, my trademark saying was that I’m not a politician, or at best a reluctant politician.
“From today onwards, I will say I am a politician, one who practises new politics, who speaks the truth based on data, science, without fear or favour,” said Rais.
Rais also said he would still pursue his struggle for a better Malaysia based on five core principles: reforms, justice, inclusiveness, progressiveness, and wasatiyyah (a justly balanced approach).
He was appointed to the Bersatu Supreme Council in 2016 but stayed out of its party elections in 2020.
Also newly-admitted to the party is Malaysian Agricultural Development Foundation executive chairman Jidi Yaakob.
Separately, Anwar said the Pakatan Harapan manifesto would be unveiled at the coalition’s convention on Oct 20.
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