The Ampang MP, who recently quit Bersatu to join PBM, said she had informed Muhyiddin of the idea for a multi-racial party that would be a “subsidiary” to Bersatu, Mingguan Malaysia reported.

Zuraida said she advised him that such a party would be able to woo a segment of voters that Bersatu – which is largely a Malay party – could not.

“I told him this would help increase the support for Bersatu,” the Malay daily quoted her as saying.

Following her resignation from the party on Thursday, Muhyiddin said Bersatu knew that Zuraida was involved in PBM and subsequently issued her a show-cause letter on May 9.

He added that she was to be referred to the party’s disciplinary committee, prior to her resignation.

PBM was established in November last year after being approved by the Registrar of Societies (RoS). It was previously known as Sarawak Workers Party.

On Dec 21, an NGO called Penggerak Komuniti Negara (PKN), which was linked to Zuraida, announced that its 50,000-strong membership was joining the new party.

Meanwhile, the daily also reported Zuraida as demanding the office of the Bersatu secretary-general to provide proof to back up allegations that she had joined PBM while still a Bersatu member.

“My ties and activities with NGOs, including PKN, which was formed in 2018 should not be made the basis for such allegations.”

Zuraida added that she should also not be linked to the decision by former PKR leaders and elected representatives to join PBM.