PKR readmits three former MPs amid fresh departures

Three former Malaysian MPs who previously left the PKR party have reportedly been readmitted, following an appeal by the central leadership council, according to Malaysiakini. The three MPs are Edmund Santhara Kumar (Segamat), Kamarudin Jaffar (Bandar Tun Razak) and Steven Choong (Tebrau). Santhara and Kamarudin were among 11 MPs who left PKR in 2020 during the Sheraton Move, which led to the collapse of the Pakatan Harapan federal government and the formation of a coalition headed by Bersatu.

Choong had left in February 2021 alongside Larry Sng, expressing support for the Perikatan Nasional government.

The decision to readmit the three MPs was approved at the PKR central leadership council's meeting on September 27, according to Malaysiakini. However, the letter approving their return specifies that the party's position on the bond signed before the 2018 general election remains unchanged. Those in breach of the bond are required to pay RM10 million if they win their seats on a PKR ticket but later resign from the party, join another political party or become independent representatives.

The party is awaiting comment from Steven Choong and PKR secretary-general Fuziah Salleh regarding their readmittance.

PKR news portal Suara Keadilan reported earlier that former PKR vice-president Dr Xavier Jayakumar had returned to the party, and Tian Chua had also been accepted back into the party. Other recent departures from PKR include former deputy president Rafizi Ramli, former vice-president Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, and Wong Chen, who have all left to join different political parties or positions.