Former Malaysian law minister Datuk Zaid Ibrahim and 13 other prominent political figures and professionals officially joined the Islamist Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS) in a public event held in Seremban on June 13, 2026, ahead of the Negeri Sembilan state election [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6].
The group includes former ministers, ex-state executive councillors, political leaders, academics, community activists, and ex-members from several parties including Umno, PKR, DAP, Bersatu, and Amanah [3, 4, 5, 6]. Zaid Ibrahim’s political career spans multiple parties. He joined Umno in 2000 and was expelled in 2008, then moved to PKR (2009–2010), led the Kelantan-based Akim/Kita, joined DAP from 2017 to 2020, rejoined Umno in 2022, and became PAS member in June 2026 [1].
Zaid Ibrahim said, "Now I am allowed to be a PAS member and, hopefully, a candidate for the next GE. I truly appreciate the opportunity. I believe I can still contribute to the country," expressing his hope to contest in the 16th Malaysian general election as a PAS candidate [1]. He also pledged to reshape PAS’s image, stating, "They're warm, sincere and friendly. I will repay their faith. I will work hard to dispel the image of Pas as an extreme anti-democratic party, not suitable for a multicultural Malaysia." He added, "Pas will govern Malaysia together with like-minded progressive MPs after the next general election" [6].
PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan announced the acceptance of the new members during a gathering before the Negeri Sembilan election [2, 3, 4, 5, 6]. Deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said, "Pas has received encouraging interest from people seeking to be part of its political struggle. InsyaAllah, there will be more. They come from various backgrounds," indicating further prominent figures may join PAS soon [5].
The 14 new members’ diverse backgrounds and political experience reflect PAS’s efforts to broaden its appeal beyond its traditional base. The Negeri Sembilan state election scheduled for later this year will be the first electoral test with this expanded team.
The next key milestone is the upcoming 16th Malaysian general election, where Zaid Ibrahim aims to stand as a PAS candidate and contribute to the party’s efforts to govern Malaysia with a more inclusive approach [1, 6].
