PKR readmits three former MPs amid fresh departures

KUALA LUMPUR, 4 OCTOBER 2026 —

Kuala Lumpur, Oct 4 (Reuters) - The People’s Justice Party (PKR) has readmitted three former members of parliament to its ranks, a move that underscores the continuing turbulence within the ruling coalition as the party faces a fresh wave of high-profile departures among its federal lawmakers.

The readmission comes at a critical juncture for the party, which is grappling with internal dissent and the loss of key figures who have left to join opposition ranks or sit as independents. While the party seeks to consolidate its base by welcoming back former members, the simultaneous resignation of four current MPs elected on PKR’s ticket highlights the fragility of the political landscape in the lead-up to the next general election.

The developments suggest that despite efforts to stabilize the party structure, significant ideological and personal fractures remain unresolved within the organization.

Santhara and Kamarudin originally broke with PKR during the political upheaval known as the Sheraton Move in February 2020, subsequently joining the National Front (Bersatu). Choong, meanwhile, left the party in February 2021 to support then Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin’s government as an independent. Their return marks a significant shift in their political allegiance, aligning them once again with the party led by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

A letter sighted by Malaysiakini confirmed that the membership of the three former MPs had been formally restored. The document stated that they were now allowed to resume all party activities and responsibilities, subject to the strict adherence to PKR’s constitution and internal rules. This formal reinstatement signals that the party is willing to offer a path back for former members who have expressed a desire to rejoin, provided they accept the party’s disciplinary framework.

However, the readmission letter explicitly stated that the party’s position on a financial bond signed before the 2018 general election remained unchanged. The letter noted that any matters arising from this bond were subject to discussions between the individuals, the party’s treasurer-general, and the president. This clause highlights the ongoing tension between political reconciliation and financial accountability within the party’s internal governance.

The bond in question is an undertaking that PKR required its candidates to sign ahead of the 2018 election. Under this agreement, successful candidates were liable to pay RM10 million if they quit the party, joined another party, or became independents while retaining their elected seats. This financial deterrent has been a point of contention in several high-profile cases, serving as a mechanism for the party to enforce loyalty among its elected representatives.

The legal implications of this bond were recently tested in the case of former Ampang MP Zuraida Kamaruddin. In December 2024, the Court of Appeal upheld the finding that Zuraida had breached the bond but significantly reduced the amount payable from RM10 million to RM100,000. The Federal Court reserved judgment on PKR’s appeal against this reduction on September 14, 2026.

The outcome of this case is expected to have broader implications for how the party enforces its financial undertakings against departing members.

The latest readmissions follow the return of former Kuala Langat MP Dr Xavier Jayakumar, who confirmed in August that he had rejoined PKR following an invitation from party president Anwar Ibrahim to former members. Additionally, former Batu MP Tian Chua has publicly stated that he wants his membership reinstated.

These moves indicate a broader trend of former members seeking to re-enter the party, possibly driven by the current political climate and the party’s efforts to rebuild its ranks after years of internal strife.

Despite the readmissions, the party is simultaneously dealing with the departures of four MPs elected on its ticket: Lee Chean Chung (Petaling Jaya), Rafizi Ramli (Pandan), Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad (Setiawangsa), and Wong Chen (Subang). These lawmakers have announced their resignations from their parliamentary seats, a move that further complicates the party’s standing in the House of Representatives.

The simultaneous loss of current members and the return of former ones paints a picture of a party in flux, struggling to maintain cohesion and public trust.

Selangor PKR strategic director Yahya Shaari addressed the departures in a statement, asserting that the decisions of the four lawmakers did not signify that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim or the Madani government had lost the people’s mandate.

Shaari emphasized that the prime minister must continue to be given the space and support to focus on the national agenda, which includes the economy, cost of living, employment opportunities, institutional reform, governance, investment, education, public welfare, and Malaysia’s international standing. He added that political differences within a party are inevitable but should not disrupt government stability or the interests of the people.

In response to the political turmoil, Umno supreme council member Razlan Rafii called for a snap general election to return the mandate to voters, arguing that the parliamentary term is approaching its fourth year. This call for an early election reflects the growing pressure on the ruling coalition to address public dissatisfaction and political instability.

The combination of internal party conflicts and external calls for new elections suggests that the political landscape in Malaysia remains highly volatile in the coming months.

The readmission of Santhara, Kamarudin, and Choong, alongside the resignations of current MPs, underscores the complex dynamics within PKR. As the party navigates these challenges, the focus remains on maintaining government stability and addressing the broader national agenda. The outcome of the Federal Court case regarding the bond and the potential for a snap election will be key factors in determining the future trajectory of the party and the ruling coalition.