PETALING JAYA, Sept 11 ― Tumpat MP Datuk Kamaruddin Jaafar has quit PAS and officially joined PKR as its political director, party president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail announced today.

Joining him is former Selangor mentri besar and Umno veteran Tan Sri Muhammad Muhd Taib, who was also previously in the Islamist opposition party until last year.

“We welcome and are heartened by the inclusion of Datuk Kamaruddin Jaafar,Tumpat MP, and Tan Sri Muhammad Muhd Taib into PKR's big family,” Dr Wan Azizah told reporters at a press conference at the PKR headquarters here.

Kamaruddin, who was present at the press conference, said that he remained committed to strengthening the federal opposition and pledged to support his former PAS colleagues who are in Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah).

"We need to strengthen the parties in Pakatan, and I give my commitment to support Amanah as well."

"I will also remain committed to PR and play an active role to bring political change to the country," the Tumpat MP said.

Pakatan Rakyat (PR), comprising PKR, PAS and the DAP, broke up earlier this year over PAS’ renewed push to enforce hudud in Kelantan.

Muhammad Taib pledged to use his influence and experience to reach out to rural constituencies and urged them to vote for PKR.

"This country needs an alternative government, and PKR is a good party for reforms," he said.