PASIR SALAK: A total of 281 Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM) members from Kampung Gajah and Sungai Manik left the party to join Umno today.
They submitted their Umno membership forms to Pasir Salak Member of Parliament, Datuk Seri Tajuddin Abdul Rahman at Dewan Pekan Rabu this afternoon.
Former Pasir Salak PPBM branch registrar assistant, also a spokesman for the group, Zainal Abidin Hussin said the decision to quit was because they also have lost confidence in PPBM's leadership.
"I am not looking for publicity especially as the 14th General Election draws near.
"We have made comparison between all the political parties available in the country. Umno is the one that always champion the cause of the Malays, Islam and the nation. This is despite alot of issues being played in the mass media to divide the Malay community," he said.
Meanwhile, Tajudin who is also Deputy Agriculture and Agro- based Industry Minister said he welcomed Zainal Abidin and the rest of the former PPBM members to Umno and hoped they would continue to strive for the party.
"I welcome their decision... from being opposition supporters, they are now back on track.
"All we want is a better future. Who is going to protect us if not the current ruling government," he said, adding that the people should choose wisely during the upcoming elections.