THE appearance of former Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) deputy chief Zakaria Jaafar and former Road Transport Department (JPJ) director Abdul Rahim Che Daud on the main stage with PAS leaders last night caused confusion among the 200,000 party supporters.

The crowd was expecting “prominent national figures” to join the party – as guaranteed earlier by PAS information chief and Fastaqim organising chairman Nasrudin Hassan.

But last night, Zakaria and Abdul Rahim told reporters after the event that they were not joining the party but were there to give their support to the Islamist party.

“I’m not a PAS member. I just support and give advice on matters of corruption.

“Perhaps there is a misunderstanding. I’m open to speak to anyone about this matter,” Zakaria said.

Zakaria attracted controversy when he revealed that the MACC was investigating “the most powerful” person in Malaysia on the day of his retirement at the end of 2015. He was referring to the SRC International case and the RM2.6 billion donation.

The non-membership of the “prominent national figures” was confirmed Nasrudin.

“When I said that they would join PAS’ struggle, I meant they would support the party. I didn’t necessarily mean they would join as members.

“(However) their presence gives great meaning for us,” Nasrudin said.

This incident echoed a similar situation at an Umno press conference three weeks ago when it was rumoured that several lawmakers from the opposition were switching sides to BN.

However, the only switchover was by former Selangor menteri besar Muhammad Muhammad Taib, who left PKR to rejoin Umno.

Meanwhile, former Selangor menteri besar Khalid Ibrahim, who was present at the rally last night, maintained that he would not join the party.

“I work to help the poor now, so I would not be supporting any party,” he said in a brief speech.

Khalid left early to attend to matters overseas. – September 30, 2017.