Johor Amanah is positioning itself to take advantage of Bersatu’s internal turmoil in the state, describing the situation as opening up political space ahead of the next state election.
When asked whether turmoil in Bersatu could benefit his party, Johor Amanah vice-chairperson Zuhan Zain replied in the affirmative.
“It is seen as one of the factors that provides space for Amanah in Johor,” he told Malaysiakini.
This is because Bersatu is a component party in the opposition and is thus a direct competitor to Amanah and Pakatan Harapan, Zuhan (above) explained.
Earlier today, 12 Johor Bersatu divisions dissolved amid ongoing factional disputes after the sacking of former deputy president Hamzah Zainudin.
Bersatu secretary-general Azmin Ali, however, dismissed such announcements from Johor and other states as being “baseless and unconstitutional”.
Commenting further, Zuhan indicated Johor Amanah's preparedness for any possibility, even a three-cornered contest.
On seat negotiations for the state election due this year, Zuhan confirmed that Johor Amanah is prepared to contest the Pagoh seat, which is held by Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin.
However, Zuhan did not elaborate on the specifics of seat allocations, saying negotiations within the unity government coalition would determine the final arrangement.
At the same time, Zuhan said the party has adopted an open approach in attracting former Bersatu members.
“Amanah is open and invites former Bersatu members to join Amanah,” he said, citing the example of former Johor exco Izhar Ahmad, who has since been appointed Johor Amanah treasurer.
Johor Bersatu chairman Sahruddin Jamal meanwhile, struck an upbeat and resolute tone in a Facebook post, asserting that all 11 Johor Bersatu divisions remain very much intact.
”In the media statement by the secretary-general today, it was stated that the party constitution does not vest any power in any party member, including the division chief, to dissolve a division.
“God willing, I am quite confident that the 11 divisions in Johor have not been dissolved, as we still have a great many party members who are willing to fight sincerely for the sake of the party,” Sahruddin said.
Mass exodus
While announcing his division's dissolution, Dungun Bersatu chief Abdul Aziz Ismail said he will be involved in a new political platform led by Hamzah.
"We, led by Hamzah, God willing, will be ready to migrate to a new political arena and will join the party in question in the near future.
"We will wait for the official announcement on this, which will be made by Hamzah later," he said.
Previously, Hamzah declined to confirm whether he would join an existing party like Umno or PAS, or form a new one with his supporters.
Last week, Hamzah, along with 16 other party leaders and lawmakers, were sacked from the party by its disciplinary council.
Since the incident, Bersatu has seen a mass exodus of party grassroots leaders and members, who announced their loss of confidence in Muhyiddin. - Mkini
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