Khairuddin quits PPBM to focus on court cases

(MMO) – Datuk Seri Khairuddin Abu Hassan has decided to resign from Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM) barely two months after the party was formed.

The former Umno Batu Kawan chief reasoned that he left the party despite being one of its initial founders as he wanted to focus on his legal challenges against Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and his administration.

“I would like to announce that I have quit from being a PPBM member effective immediately.

“My decision is on the basis that I would like to focus all my time on facing the court cases that are currently on going and those after this,” Khairuddin said in a statement last night.

He however insisted that he will continue with all his previous speaking engagements with PPBM and the Citizen’s Declaration movement but said he will be doing it in his personal capacity.

Khairuddin who shot to fame after lodging among the initial police reported against 1Malaysia Development Berhad also warned PPBM members, urging them to steer clear from making the party into a new version of Umno.

“To be honest and genuine, all the leaders and members of PPBM cannot be in groups and don’t ever allow the culture and attitude of Umno to infiltrate into PPBM,” Khairuddin added.

Khairuddin has been the subject to several lawsuits and investigations including one under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act.

PPBM was formed by former deputy prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and is chaired by Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

The party sees itself as a splinter party from Umno and plans to contest against the ruling party in the next general election including by forming an alliance with the Opposition parties.