Khairuddin downplays party polls defeat due to audio critical of Hadi

 

Kuala Nerus MP Khairuddin Aman Razali has downplayed views that his defeat in the PAS central committee elections was linked to a viral audio issue said to be an attack against PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang.

Khairuddin said while "outside enemies" could use the issue against him, it had little impact on the votes of PAS members.

"That is normal, sometimes outside enemies take advantage, and that's normal. We just ignore enemies’ attacks or critics, that's normal in PAS.

"Win or lose, it is the voice of the delegates and has nothing to do with external forces.

"Anything can happen, enemies can take advantage, but most important is that PAS continues to forge ahead and we want to win the Malacca state polls," said the former plantation and commodities minister when met by reporters on the last day of the PAS 67th annual muktamar held in Kuala Terengganu.

Khairuddin had earlier lost a bid to defend his seat as one of 18 PAS central committee members for the 2021-2023 session.

Khairuddin was previously linked to a one minute 52-second audio recording that went viral on Facebook last month, purportedly of a PAS leader raising concerns in Hadi's leadership.

The person in the audio recording favour cooperation with Umno and was worried about Hadi's cordial relationship with Bersatu.

The Facebook account owner claimed the voice belonged to "Dr T" and linked it to a PAS central committee member.

Khairuddin, however, declined further comments when asked about the authenticity of the audio clip.

"That is a different story, no comment," he said.

Khairuddin further said winning and losing a party election is a normal part of the organisation.

"That's normal in a party, we just continue to work as a group and within the party," he added.

Meanwhile, another big name dropped from the list was Bachok MP Nik Mohamad Abduh Nik Abdul Aziz, who said he could now let go of a heavy burden.

"Congratulations to all my friends who were elected in the central committee elections. I pray for their success to help PAS towards a brighter future.

"I think (the position) is a heavyweight that I have now lifted, and I feel much lighter.

"InsyaAllah I will continue to work for the party, and I still have a lot of work to do," he added. - Mkini