IPOH: Two Perak state assemblymen from Parti Bersatu Pribumi Malaysia have defected and joined Parti Bangsa Malaysia (PBM).

       The membership of Buntong assemblyman A. Sivasubramaniam and Tronoh assemblyman Paul Yong Choo Kiong were revealed during a press conference in Sibu, Sarawak following the announcement of the new party committee line-up.

       Sivasubramaniam and Yong were appointed PBM's senior vice-president II and treasurer respectively.

       Both had joined Bersatu in March last year after quitting DAP following the collapse of the Pakatan Harapan state government in 2020.

       Yong is also facing a rape trial.

       Another state representative from Perak to join PBM was Malim Nawar assemblyman Leong Cheok Keng.

       Leong's membership was terminated by DAP in January last year after he was suspected of joining MCA.

       When contacted, Leong said he was attracted by the perspective of PBM mainly due to it being a multi-racial party.

       "The party also emphasises on empowering young people and women from multi-racial backgrounds," he said, adding that he joined PBM a "few months ago".

       Attempts are being made to get Yong and Sivasubramaniam for comments.