PETALING JAYA — Former law minister Zaid Ibrahim said he has joined Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS) and hopes to contest the 16th general election under its banner, framing the move as a continuation of his search for a platform committed to reform.
Announced among 15 new PAS members at a public event in Seremban on June 13, Zaid said on X that he appreciates the opportunity and believes he can still contribute to the country. He promised to outline in due course how Malaysia can be rebuilt on the basis of his current party’s principles.
A prominent lawyer and veteran political figure, Zaid’s party affiliations have shifted repeatedly over the past two decades, from Umno (joined 2000, expelled 2008) to PKR (2009–2010), to leading and rebranding a small Kelantan party into Kita (resigned 2012), then to DAP (2017–2020), a return to Umno in 2022, and now PAS. He said his priority remains the welfare of ordinary Malaysians and broad access to justice, dismissing criticism of his changing allegiances.
“You can choose your own political path and I can choose mine. But why are you so afraid that I might succeed?” he asked, noting he would explain his vision for the country in time.