KUALA LUMPUR : A former Malaysian deputy minister has joined the opposition People's Justice Party or Parti Keadilan led by Anwar Ibrahim.

This is the first high-level crossover since the March general election.

Fauzi Abdul Rahman was the former deputy information minister. He was also the ruling party UMNO's former division chief in the central state of Pahang.

Speaking at a news conference on Wednesday, Mr Anwar said Mr Fauzi's decision will inspire more ruling party members to switch sides.

The former deputy premier, who is out on bail following his arrest last week over fresh sodomy allegations by his aide, said he is on track to form a new government by mid-September. - CNA/ms

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