Kelantan Bersatu confirms defection talks, but wantaway Umno rep thinking twice

Kelantan Bersatu has confirmed it is in discussions with a wantaway Umno state assemblyperson to join the party.

However, the lawmaker in question insists that no final decision has been made.

Although the lawmaker’s exit from Umno is expected to take place tomorrow, state Bersatu deputy chairperson Sazmi Miah told Malaysiakini that talks are still ongoing.

“Yes, there have been discussions (with the assemblyperson). He will leave Umno, insya-Allah.

“He has lost confidence in the Umno leadership, especially after the party election.

“He also feels the conditions are a bit difficult for him to carry out his duties as an elected representative,” Sazmi said when contacted.

The assemblyperson was expected to formalise his entry into Bersatu at an event in Machang tomorrow, with Bersatu deputy president Mukhriz Mahathir in attendance.

His defection would give Pakatan Harapan its first representative in the Kelantan state assembly.

The assemblyperson, who requested that his name be withheld, told Malaysiakini of his disappointment in Kelantan Umno – especially in his division chief – over the handling of party funds.

However, he said he has yet to make a final decision whether to stay in the party or leave.

“I am only working with the allocations that are channelled to the constituency.

“The division chief has absolute control. He gets a big allocation but does not help us, even though the funds are for the constituents.

“When he heard I wanted to leave (Umno), he didn’t come to my defence, but only criticised me,” he claimed.

Since the May 9 polls, three MPs have left Umno to become independents – Noor Azmi Ghazali (Bagan Serai), Ermieyati Samsudin (Masjid Tanah) and Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal (Bukit Gantang). - Mkini