GEORGE TOWN: Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Datuk Zuraida Kamaruddin's official entry into Parti Bangsa Malaysia (PBM) yesterday has been described as "a long-awaited moment".
Penang PBM chairman Alan Oh, in welcoming her into the party, said Zuraida was the ideal leader to bring the party to a stronger and better platform based on the principles of racial diversity, raising the dignity of women and featuring a stronger youth in resetting the economy of the country.
"We believe that (YB) Zuraida, more affectionately known as Ibu Bangsa Malaysia (IBM) is the ideal leader to bring PBM to a stronger and better footing.
"She is a very successful leader and minister and known for her 'walk the talk' leadership style in leading the ministry, starting in the Housing and Local Government Ministry and now the Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister," he said.
Yesterday, Zuraida was named as PBM's "president-designate".
The party's current president Larry Sng, when announcing that Zuraida's membership was officially approved, had said that the decision was made unanimously by PBM supreme council members and its political bureau after their recent meeting following Zuraida's application to join the party on May 26.
With the new position, Sng had also said that Zuraida had been given the mandate to chart PBM's development and progress which would include negotiations with other parties for a new partnership ahead of the 15th general election.
Oh said Zuraida's successful leadership and her "walk the talk" leadership style was evident in the increase in the price of palm oil to a very good level.
"Indeed, she is a women icon, not only in Malaysia, but also in the eyes of the world," he added.
Last month, Zuraida who is the Ampang member of parliament, left Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia to join PBM.
So far, her fate as a cabinet member has yet to be officially announced after leaving Bersatu, one of the parties that lends its support to the current government in Parliament.
Meanwhile, Oh said Penang PBM also fully supported the decision of the PBM supreme council members and its political bureau, who accepted the grassroots call to join a better and stronger coalition, namely Barisan Nasional, which has more than 60 years of experience in governing the country.
"This matter is very clear under the leadership of Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob today where we can see a stronger economy and easier lives for the people.
"This goes to prove that the Keluarga Malaysia plan is on the right track," he said.