In a statement, Syed Badli said Ito, whose real name is Arif Kendut, submitted his membership form to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s senior political secretary, Shamsul Iskandar Akin, yesterday.

Syed Badli described Ito as a reformist who had long contributed behind the scenes through the arts, using his music to help shape societal values.

“Ito also took part in Titiwangsa PKR’s two-day retreat as an initial step to better understand the political landscape.

“We hope his entry into the Titiwangsa division will add value to PKR and serve as motivation for the artistic community to stand together in defending the Madani government,” he said.

Ito and his Blues Gang bandmates, best known for their hit “Apo Nak DiKato”, have shaped Malaysia’s music industry for five decades.