Former deputy minister in the Prime Minister's Department and ex-Kuantan member of parliament Fauzi Abdul Rahman today joined Anwar Ibrahim's PKR from Umno.

Fauzi was also the former Beserah state assemblyperson in Pahang from 1995 to 2004.

Anwar announced Fauzi's entry into PKR at a press conference held at the party's headquarters in Tropicana, Petaling Jaya today.

anwar pc welcome fauzi 230708 fauzi.jpg Fauzi said he quit politics in 2003 but decided to make a comeback "for my friend, Anwar" and after witnessing recent events in the Malaysian political scenario.

"I think it is time that Malaysians wake up and form a tangible two-party system where Umno and Barisan Nasional's loss is the people's gain. So I thought I wanted to be a part of it."

Describing the events surrounding Anwar's arrest as "unbecoming", he said Malaysians must stand up and speak out against a police state.

"If we condone this, believe me, one day when our children make a police report, they could be whacked and made to admit the wrongs they did not do," he said.

Fauzi was referring to the way Anwar was arrested by a troop of balaclava-clad police officers outside his Bukit Segambut home last week.

The opposition leader is currently being investigated over sodomy allegations lodged by his former aide Saiful Bukhari Azlan on June 28.

Consolidating PKR support

Fauzi's entry into PKR was, however, widely expected as he has been seen with Anwar in various functions. His son, Mohd Farhan, is also the founder of the Anwar Ibrahim Club.

He has been a close associate of Anwar since the latter was deputy prime minister.

It is learnt that Fauzi has been roped into PKR to consolidate support for the party in Pahang as well as the east coast belt where he is influential.

He is also expected to try to lure veteran Umno leaders and members into PKR.

anwar pc welcome fauzi 230708 group1.jpg At the press conference today, Fauzi related how he defied orders by ex-premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad in 1998 to publicly declare that Anwar was a sodomite.

"Had I agreed with Mahathir, I think I would be minister until today. But I don't want to talk about my sacrifice as it is nothing compared to what has happened to Anwar," he said.

In 1998, Anwar was arrested and later jailed six years for sodomy and corruption, and sacked as deputy premier. The sex conviction was later overturned.

Fauzi was born in Galing Besar, Kuantan on August 27, 1946 and later pursued studies in mineral engineering at Imperial College in London.

In the 1990s, he served as parliament secretary to the information ministry and subsequently, the land cooperative development ministry.

He was later a deputy minister in the PM's Department between 1997 to 1999.

Anwar also announced that former Umno members, including ex-Kota Setar MP Abdul Hadi Derani and ex-deputy Mentakab branch chief Mat Lazim Derani have joined PKR.

PKR Pahang state liaison chief Zakaria Abdul Hamid was also present at the packed press conference.

Another politician who is widely expected to join PKR in the coming weeks is Tan Yee Kew , former MCA deputy Wanita chief and ex-Klang MP.

Watch 4-min video of Fauzi Abdul Rahman