ZURAIDA Kamaruddin is resigning from the cabinet after deciding to join Parti Bangsa Malaysia (PBM).

The plantation industries and commodities minister said in a statement that she would be meeting  Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob “soonest to discuss my resignation”.

“I will also discuss with him the role and direction of PBM in strengthening the Keluarga Malaysia government. I have full confidence in the wisdom of the honourable prime minister.,” she said.

Zuraida defected from PKR to Bersatu, a move that helped to oust thePakatan Harapan government in February 2020.

She was appointed minister in the subsequent Perikatan Nasional government, a role she retained  after Muhyiddin Yassin was replaced by Ismail in August last year.

Speculation has been rife that she would leave Bersatu for PBM, fuelling calls for the former to sack her.

Zuraida is the Ampang MP of 14 years. In 2018, while in PKR, she was appointed housing and local development minister, a post she held until the collapse of Pakatan Harapan in 2020.

She is currently in Turkey for an international conference and will return on June 2, after which she will meet with the prime minister.

Zuraida said she believed in the struggles of PBM and was attracted by its core principles of multiracial engagement, women and youth empowerment, economic development, education and the advancement of science and technology to make Malaysia a developed country.

“I see a lot of potential in PBM, especially at a time when Malaysians are tired of the old politics, which stifle the progress of the country.

“God willing, my participation as well as experience will help steer PBM to greater heights, especially ahead of the upcoming general election. My participation will also help fill the void of women leadership in the country.

“Since its establishment, PBM has been getting stronger and now has several members of Parliament and state assemblymen in its ranks.”

She added that she was in line with PBM’s position to support the government of the day. – May 26, 2022.