Wan Saiful ready to face critics for making U-turn and joining PPBM
The former PAS life member is not concerned at being accused of associating with Dr Mahathir Mohamad, whom he once called ‘mahafiraun’.
(FMT) – Political analyst Wan Saiful Wan Jan says he is prepared to face critics who accuse him of making a U-turn by associating with PPBM and Pakatan Harapan chairman Dr Mahathir Mohamad whom he had once labelled as “mahafiraun” (great pharaoh).
“Similarly, I might be asked how I could join up with Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, whom I had opposed when he was the deputy prime minister.
“But the truth is that we are confronted with and must overcome enormous problems that have engulfed our country. This means we need to act now,” he said.
Wan Saiful officially switched to PPBM today after 21 years as a life member of PAS.
He announced his decision to become a life member of the Umno splinter party before Muhyiddin, who is PPBM president, deputy president Mukhriz Mahathir and other party leaders.
Wan Saiful just resigned as the founding chief executive officer of Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS). He had been heading the think tank he founded since 2009.
Wan Saiful joined PAS in 1997 and founded IDEAS with two friends more than nine years ago after returning from London.
“A talk with my wife was the first step which eventually brought me to PPBM. From a personal perspective, the risk to me is huge.
“I have lost my primary source of income and, from today, my monthly earning is now zero.
“After this, there will be people who will try to pit me against the party of my choice.”
Wan Saiful said he chose PPBM to pursue changes in the country and restore the dignity of his race.
“I thought no matter how loud I shout, or how many proposal papers I write, as long as the present regime continues to rule the country, the complete change that we seek will not happen because there is no political will in Umno and Barisan Nasional (BN).
“The true solution will only happen if all rise to reject and overthrow Umno and BN in the coming general election,” he told a news conference at PPBM headquarters here.
Asked whether he would contest in GE14, Wan Saiful said he left that to the party to decide.
“That is a party decision, let PPBM decide.
“I don’t want to be too smart, lest I am expelled after not even five minutes (in the party).”
Muhyiddin announced the appointment of Wan Saiful as the PPBM policy and strategy deputy director, a division headed by Rais Hussin.
Muhyiddin said it was also possible PPBM might appoint Wan Saiful to its supreme council where there are a few vacancies.
