'Tok Pa will speak for Harapan in Kelantan assembly'

Mustapa Mohamed's entry into Bersatu means that Pakatan Harapan is now represented in the Kelantan Legislative Assembly, according to the party's information chief Mohd Radzi Md Jidin.

Speaking to reporters in Kota Bharu today, Radzi said that Mustapa pioneered a path for Harapan in the Kelantan assembly, and that the Air Lanas representative might enjoy some company soon.

"At least we have someone in the Kelantan assembly now. Who knows? Maybe in a day, or week or two, there will be more (defections). Politics is unpredictable," he said.

Radzi is the deputy economic affairs minister and also heads Bersatu's Ketereh division.

Mustapa, an Umno veteran of some 40 years, left the party on Sept 18, alluding to the party's decision to veer away from its longheld centrist position.

He joined Bersatu on Friday, and will now move from the opposition bench to the backbench when the Dewan Rakyat reconvenes on Monday.

However, he will still sit with BN on the opposition bench in the Kelantan legislative assembly, albeit as a Harapan lawmaker.

PAS holds 37 of the 45 seats in the state assembly, and BN seven. 

Meanwhile, Radzi said he was happy that Mustapa, whom he regarded as a political mentor, had joined Bersatu.

"I remember after the May 9 elections, I called him on the phone to tell him that the elections were over, the battle was over and I wanted to visit him.

"When I did see him, I told him that I hoped he will join us... We know of his track record. No one can deny that," he said. - Mkini