GE14 | PKR has announced that former Bersih chairperson Maria Chin Abdullah is now part of the PKR family.

The party's vice-president Nurul Izzah Anwar confirmed this in a press conference at the PKR headquarters. 

"I feel very overwhelmed that today I'm announcing that she'll be part of the Keadilan family and insyaAllah, certainly we will hear some wedding bells this election," said Nurul Izzah.

PKR vice-president Tian Chua, however, clarified that Maria would only be contesting under the party’s logo and has not joined the party formally.

The press conference had turned slightly heated after media personnel pressed the PKR leadership present today why Maria did not simply join the party formally.

"Oh come on, I can give a lecture on this thing. You all know to win an election as an independent is next to impossible. It's a logo that we chose to work together under, it's as easy as that," Pakatan Harapan chief secretary Saifuddin Abdullah told the press.

Maria previously confirmed that she had been in talks to run as a parliamentary candidate in the 14th general election.

PKR Wanita chief Zuraida Kamaruddin had admitted to making the offer to Maria two weeks ago. 

In today's press conference, Zuraida (photo) said she believes that Maria's decision to contest under PKR's banner will boost the party's women empowerment efforts, citing her vast experience in fighting for women's rights.

Maria, on the other hand, vowed that she will do her best to contribute towards advancing the reform agenda.

She also said she would contest in whichever seat the party offers her.

'Primary aim is to win the election'

Asked why she was not joining the party formally, Maria said this could be discussed later.

"For me, the primary aim is to go into the general election and win the general election."

Speaking to reporters later, Maria explained that her decision not to join the party formally was the "new politics" they have been talking about.

"I don't feel I need to sign up for a party. We can talk about it after the election.

"That question will still arise but I don't think it's important now. The most important thing is how we can forward the reform agenda."

Maria explained that she was contesting under Harapan as the coalition has always been fighting for the same reforms that she has been fighting for.

"They are all on the agenda I've been fighting for. I'm keen about gender equality, it's all in the Harapan manifesto that will be guiding me on how we will be working together.

"You can't be expecting me to join BN when issues I'm fighting for are not being respected."

Since stepping down as Bersih chairperson, there was already speculation that Maria will contest under a PKR ticket, and that she may be fielded in the parliamentary seats of Petaling Jaya Selatan, Pandan or Batu.