Why leave party led by 'great captain' - Bersatu Selangor chief

Selangor Bersatu chief Abdul Rashid Asari described his party president, Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin as a "great captain" who received accolades from around the world.

As such, he said there was no reason for any Bersatu member to leave the party currently entrusted to lead the country.

"Why are we jumping off a ship steered by a great captain, someone capable of steering the party to a grand destination?

"Members should assist and support the party, the prime minister, so he can carry on and succeed with his duties," said Abdul Rashid (above) as quoted by Sinar Harian Online.

His remarks came in the wake of reports on the departure of Bersatu grassroots members. Those departing were believed to be joining yet another Malay-based party formed by former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad, together with former top Bersatu leaders sacked from the party.

Abdul Rashid further said that party members should be proud that the current prime minister is from Bersatu.

"We should be grateful to Allah SWT that our party is a part of the federal government.

"In fact, the prime minister is from Bersatu who has shown his credibility in handling the Covid-19 outbreak," said the Selat Klang assemblyperson.

In a related development, Hulu Langat Bersatu secretary Hassan Yusof Khan today denied reports that the division and its eight branches have been dissolved following the exit of its members.

"What happened was the departure of several individuals from the 'Bersatu Blackout' group.

"Those involved do not understand the party's constitution that already set out the procedure and ways to dissolve any Bersatu division or branch," he said.

In announcing his new party, Mahathir said a reason for this move was because Muhyiddin had "hijacked" Bersatu, the previous party that he founded.

The new “independent” party, according to the Langkawi MP, would not be tied to Perikatan Nasional, nor will it be tied to Pakatan Harapan following disagreements with PKR, but could instead be the deciding force in determining which bloc wins the next general election.

The move to create a new party has already triggered defections, including the disbanding of Bersatu’s Klang division. - Mkini