Former Institute of Democracy and Economic Affairs (Ideas) chief executive officer Wan Saiful Wan Jan has officially joined Bersatu as a life member.

This was announced at a press conference in the Bersatu headquarters in Petaling Jaya this afternoon by party president Muhyiddin Yassin. Speculation of Wan Saiful joining the party arose last week.

Wan Saiful, who is a regular commentator on Malaysian politics, has also been appointed as the deputy chief of Bersatu’s policy and strategy bureau.

“I agree that Wan Saiful will join as the deputy chief, working with (bureau chief) Rais Hussin.

“His addition will strengthen the position of the bureau and give us advice on what can be done to handle the issues in the country,” Muhyiddin said at the press conference.

He also said that he was considering appointing Wan Saiful into the party supreme council, as there were several vacancies on the council following the departure of former members.

Brave youths

Wan Saiful, who is a former PAS member, said he was ashamed at how long it took him to be brave enough to enter politics.

“I am ashamed when I face the youths I’ve met.

“So many of them took the initiative far earlier to take a big risk for the sake of returning the country to a better state.

“They are only in their twenties but they are brave.

“More importantly, they realised far earlier than me that the change necessary in this country is political change,” Wan Saiful said at the announcement of him joining Bersatu.

As such, he apologised for being late to the fight.

He also said that Malaysians had to face reality and not wait for the “perfect party”.

“I beg that you do not let perfection become the enemy of the good,” he said.