SHAH ALAM: The youngest son of Umno veteran, the late Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Tapa, has quit the party to join Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM) today.
Imanuddin, 44, was Kampung Rim Umno branch chief for five years until his resignation four days ago. He handed over his membership form to PPBM deputy president Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir.
He joined Umno when he was 18 and once held the position of Jasin Umno Youth chief and Melaka Umno assistant treasurer.
Imanuddin said he was disappointed with the party leadership.
“After Barisan Nasional and Umno’s crushing defeat in the 14th General Election, I was waiting for reforms to take place in the party. I waited for six months for that to happen to see how far Umno can go. Unfortunately, nothing has changed.
“Umno is still directionless and it is made worse with the infighting between leaders. They are still pointing fingers at each other. I do not see aspiring to be a respectable opposition in the country. The party is also burdened with controversies.
“My late father once told me if the engine of a train is broken, its body will eventually rot and there is a need to make a change and so I did,” he said.
Though heavily criticised by his family members, who are all hardcore Umno members, Imanuddin said he would not budge from his decision.
“It was not easy for me to leave Umno. But I am my own person and I have my own way of doing things. I do not know how PPBM members will accept me but I will serve the party,” he added.
Imanuddin submitted his membership form to Mukhriz at the 1,000 Seri Programme organised by PPBM Sri Kandi at SACC Mall today.
Some 30 Umno members from various wings and branches in Jasin also quit the party and joined PPBM.
