KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 27 — After much speculation, academic Wan Saiful Wan Jan today revealed that he will be joining Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM).
In an itinerary sent to media organisations by the former head of Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS), a libertarian think tank, it was stated that his admission to the Umno splinter will take place this Thursday at PPBM’s headquarters.
Last week, IDEAS announced that Wan Saiful will be leaving the think tank he founded nine years ago. His position as chief executive officer will be replaced by research director Ali Salman.
Wan Saiful joined PAS in 1992 before becoming a lifetime member in 1997.
Prior to setting up IDEAS, Wan Saiful spent 18 years in the British political system and Conservative Party’s research department as well as the Commonwealth Policy Studies Unit think tank.
Recently, the political analyst had been critical of PAS’ conservative ideologies.
Malay Mail was unable to get Wan Saiful to explain the rationale of leaving PAS and subsequently joining a race-based party that also champions affirmative action.
