Zaid’s move to PAS just to stay relevant, says Umno veep

Umno vice-president Khaled Nordin said former Kota Bharu MP Zaid Ibrahim was likely looking for a new party to ‘shelter’ him and maintain his political relevance. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: Umno vice-president Khaled Nordin has downplayed former law minister Zaid Ibrahim’s move to PAS, describing it as unsurprising.

Khaled said Zaid had left Umno “a long time ago” despite returning in 2022, and that the former Kota Bharu MP was likely looking for a new party to retain political relevance, Utusan Malaysia reported.

“He’s been looking for a new place to shelter him. Good luck,” he was quoted as saying.

Zaid started his political career in Umno before being expelled in 2008 after attending an opposition party event. He then joined PKR, Parti Kita and DAP, before returning to Umno in 2022.

Earlier today, he vowed to dispel the perception that PAS was extreme and undemocratic, asserting that the Islamic party was the only Malay-based party with the strength and resolve to eliminate inequality and class preferences.

Zaid also predicted that PAS will govern Malaysia with like-minded progressive MPs after the next general election.