Multiracial PKR in line with my political beliefs, says Salleh

(FMT) – Former federal minister Salleh Said Keruak today said he wants to join PKR because it is a multiracial party, which is in line with his political stance and beliefs and is more conducive for Sabah.

Opening up for the first time following reports last night that he had applied to join the party, Salleh said he would like to help PKR champion progressive politics to ensure stability and moderation, especially in Sabah.

“I believe PKR is on the right track to save the nation from extremism, especially at a time when communal politics threaten unity and the nation’s stability,” Salleh, who quit Umno in October last year, said in a blog post.

The former communications and multimedia minister said he had always been a moderate and progressive from the time he entered into politics.

“I believe I am taking the right step and I can contribute towards Malaysia and Sabah’s stability and prosperity with PKR,” he said.

Yesterday, it was reported that Salleh had applied to join PKR online, but approval is pending while it goes through the process.

Salleh is the son of Mohammad Said Keruak, a former chief minister and later Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sabah in the mid-1970s.

He later became a chief minister himself, from 1994 to 1996, then the speaker of the Sabah state assembly from 2010 to 2015 and minister of communications and multimedia from July 2015 to May last year.

He contested the Kota Belud parliamentary seat in the 2018 general election but was defeated by his cousin, Parti Warisan Sabah candidate Isnaraissah Munirah Majilis.