KOTA BARU: A new political party called Parti Bangsa Malaysia (PBM) has started recruiting members from all the 14 parliamentary constituencies in Kelantan.
Although the party has yet to be launched, it so far managed to attract more than 3,000 new members.
According to sources, PBM is expected to be launched end of this month and Datuk Zuraida Kamaruddin may be heading the party.
"The party began to recruit new members since last month and so far, more than 3,000 people, a majority of them were former PKR members, have submitted their application forms to join the party.
"Besides the former PKR members, others who have and will soon join the party are former PKR's division leaders," the sources told NST.
The sources said PBM is targeting nearly 10,000 new members who will join the party in a two-month period.
"Kelantan PBM will be led by former state PKR chairman Ab Aziz Kadir while at the national-level, it will be headed by Zuraida, who is the Plantation Industries and Commodities minister."
The sources said several independent MPs and those unhappy with their parties are expected to pledge support for Zuraida, who plans to form a multiracial party to represent all races.
"These independent MPs are confident that the Ampang MP has strong grassroots support, especially from her days as a PKR leader.
"They described Zuraida as a hardworking woman, seen as moderate and is liked by Malaysians of all races," said the sources.
The sources said PBM was aiming to be the "third force" party, fighting for moderate Malaysia and to carry out reforms as well as "to do what is right for the country".
Zuraida during her working visit to Kelantan last month, denied rumours that a new political party, led by former PKR deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali, was in the making.
Zuraida who left PKR last year and who is now with Bersatu, described it as mere rumours.