Kamarulazman, who initially led a group of rebel Umno branch chiefs (Gabungan Ketua Cawangan Malaysia, or GKCM), was also one of the seven PPBM founding members.
“I hereby announce that I’m letting go of my post as Telok Kemang PPBM division chief. I am also rejecting an offer for me to be the party liaison chairman for Negeri Sembilan, besides offering my resignation as PPBM secretary and supreme council member.
“And the one I think will surprise many, is my resignation as a member of PPBM,” he told a press conference at Sunway Putra Hotel here this afternoon.
Kamarulazman said he came to the decision after careful consideration over the past few months.
He added that the reason for his resignation was disappointment over the direction of the barely one-year-old party, which according to him has been hijacked by former Umno members who were looking solely for power and position.
“As a teacher with more than 30 years experience, I have taught my students to be honest, fair and patriotic, in order to become useful citizens for the country.
“And because I want to help the poor, I began voicing out about what was happening in the country, in the hope that it will bring change. That was why my friends and I formed GKCM.
“Unfortunately, bit by bit, the negative elements (from Umno) started creeping into the party, and soon, they were welcomed through the front door,” he said.
Kamarulazman then added that there were two groups within the party. One group comprised of those who worked hard for the party since day one.
The second group on the other hand, was made up of those who “worked very hard to undermine the work of those who have worked very hard for the party”, he said.
“The second group wanted to tarnish the first group’s image, in order to gain positions. And they’re getting what they want because they’re very close to the top leadership’s circle.”
“I also found that PPBM has used the initial movers to gain support. These people have spent their time and their own money to get the party started.
“But when it was time to choose the division chiefs, the initial movers were cast aside. And there is a ‘caste system’ in the party, where you have a higher position if you are closer to the president, the deputy president, and the secretary-general.”
Kamarulazman expressed his disappointment over this, saying that those who worked really hard for the party are now being treated like second class citizens, and were denied the positions they deserved.
Asked how many other PPBM members planned to follow suit, he said 821 members nationwide have expressed their intention to resign soon. This however, will be announced at a later date.
PPBM became an official political outfit in September last year. Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad is the chairman of the party, while former Umno deputy president Muhyiddin Yassin is its president, and Mahathir’s son Mukhriz is deputy president.
The party officially became the fourth component of opposition pact Pakatan Harapan last month.