PKR has not yet decided on former Sabah Umno strongman Salleh Said Keruak’s membership application, said Anwar Ibrahim.

However, said the party president, Salleh’s bid to join has been discussed, and that PKR is in the midst of gathering feedback from its leaders in Sabah.

“We have not yet decided, but we’ve held discussions on it. We will always refer to local divisions for their approval,” he told reporters after an event in Bangi this morning.

“Some have agreed, some have given their views. We will listen to everyone.”

Salleh, who used to be a loyalist of former prime minister Najib Razak, applied online to join PKR in August.

The ex-communications and multimedia minister failed to retain his Kota Belud parliamentary seat in the general election in May last year, and quit Umno in December.

There is talk that Anwar, who is expected to attend the Sabah PKR convention in Kota Kinabalu on Monday, will induct Salleh into the party.

Sabah PKR chairman Christina Liew yesterday said Salleh would be welcomed should he forgo his “Umno principles”.

“We welcome anyone who wants to join the party, so long as they are sincere about wanting to fight for justice, equality and reform, which are the principles of Reformasi.

“This is not an issue of whether we (Sabah PKR) are willing to accept, or reject. It depends on whether he or she is sincere about continuing the struggle that we have fought for over the last 21 years,” she told a press conference at the party’s office near Penampang.

Salleh, who is also former Sabah chief minister, had said he wanted to join PKR as the multiracial party shared his perspective and reflected well the political atmosphere in the state.

He also expressed a desire to help PKR bring back progressive politics, with stability and moderation as the main priorities. – October 26, 2019.