JOHOR BARU: Former Permas assemblyman Datuk Seri Che Zakaria Mohd Salleh has left Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia citing the difficulty to serve the people as a Bersatu member.

"I took a few months to study and consider which is the best party for me to join and later decided to be with Parti Amanah Negara.

"I have thought of leaving Bersatu for quite some time as I find it difficult to serve the people as a Bersatu member," he said in a press conference after making the announcement during the Johor Amanah Convention here on Saturday (July 23).

Che Zakaria noted that his membership in Bersatu would be automatically cancelled following the announcement.

He also hinted that two other former Bersatu assemblymen, including a former state executive councillor were also expected to leave the party and join Amanah soon.

Meanwhile, Amanah deputy president Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub in welcoming Che Zakaria into the party said his role in Johor Amanah would be refined soon.

"The Johor state assembly was dissolved in February but Che Zakaria only joined Amanah now.

"He could have joined us during the election but he did not do so. This shows that he joined Amanah willingly, without any expectations or just for the sake of getting a seat," said Salahuddin.