Former UMNO supreme council member Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah has joined Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR).

This was confirmed by the party's president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail at a press conference held at the party's headquarters today.

"We are happy and welcome Saifuddin into the big family of Keadilan," she said.

The former higher education deputy minister also confirmed that he would be resigning from his position as the chief executive officer of the Global Movement of Moderation (GMM).

Saifuddin told reporters the reason he left UMNO was because he was unhappy with the way the party handled the RM2.6 billion issue and the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).

"That's why I feel I no longer fit in Umno and BN," he said.

However, just a month ago, Saifuddin had denied rumours that he will be joining the multi-racial party.

Saifuddin had recently landed in hot soup with UMNO secretary-general Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor and UMNO vice-president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi for attending the Pakatan 2.0 round table meeting.

On September 23, the Opposition round table meet had announced the formation of Pakatan Harapan to replace the now defunct Pakatan Rakyat.

It was reported that Saifuddin was there to represent the Youth Academy, an non-governmental organisation (NGO).

However, UMNO disciplinary board chairman Tan Sri Megat Najmuddin Megat Khas said there was nothing wrong in Saifuddin's attendance at the Pakatan Harapan's event.