Two Bersatu MPs have denied claims linking opposition leader Hamzah Zainudin to an alleged plot to exit Perikatan Nasional along with 15 other lawmakers.
When met in Parliament, Mersing MP Islahuddin Abas and Ketereh MP Khlir Nor dismissed the report, which cited a single anonymous senior Bersatu source.
In disputing the claims, Islahuddin (above, right) argued that Hamzah’s alleged plot could not be executed with the enforcement of the anti-party-hopping law.
“I think that ‘to take MPs out’ is a bit extreme? What does that mean?
“With the law in place, how can he take them out of Bersatu?” he told Malaysiakini.
Joining another party?
Yesterday, MalaysiaGazette quoted a senior party source who claimed that the Larut MP is leading a movement out of Bersatu and may join another party soon.
“Just wait in the near future. It is understood that the party he is set to join will also offer a top position to Hamzah.
“There are also whispers that they might join Pakatan Harapan. Let’s wait and see,” the source reportedly claimed.
Earlier yesterday, Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi reportedly said the party is open to receiving the return of any former members, including Hamzah, as part of its “Rumah Bangsa” call launched during the last Umno annual general assembly.
Before joining Bersatu, Hamzah was among Umno lawmakers who declared a loss of confidence in Zahid’s leadership and exited the party on Dec 14, 2018.
The report that alleged Hamzah’s plot followed a widening rift in Bersatu, with party vice-president Ronald Kiandee’s open call for party president Muhyiddin Yassin’s resignation, while Hamzah, his deputy, faced similar pressure from the Pagoh MP’s supporters.
The Bersatu Disciplinary Board has, for the second time, summoned Hamzah, who is abroad, to attend a hearing scheduled tomorrow, based on four separate complaints - three dated Feb 5 and the first dated Sept 30 last year.
Fake news
Islahuddin also dismissed the perception that he was absent from a dinner at Muhyiddin’s house on Sunday night due to his alignment with Hamzah.
“Up to the people to interpret, but I had a programme in Mersing,” he added.
Separately, Khlir, who was also absent from Muhyiddin’s house, dismissed the report as “fake news”.
“Hamzah is not that kind of person. No such thing. Fake news. The one who did it (the claim) is crazy,” Khlir said.
Khlir, however, said Ronald is entitled to his views against Muhyiddin.
“That is his view and we respect that. If I say anything, that too should be respected. But for the people who said Hamzah is like this or like that, he is not like that.
“Hamzah is not the type to drag people (out of party),” he stressed.
As for his personal stand, Khlir insisted his main focus is only to serve his constituents in Ketereh, as well as raise issues affecting army veterans.
“I don’t follow either side. People invited me to his (Muhyiddin’s) house, but I did not go. Why should I? I went back to Ketereh,” he said.
Asked for comments on the perception that Bersatu lawmakers absent from the Sunday night gathering are aligned with Hamzah, Khlir said, “Let them be, so long as we know we are not like that.”
‘Let’s support Muhyiddin’
On a related matter, Islahuddin today echoed Johor Bersatu chief Dr Sahruddin Jamal’s reported statement that the state chapter remains in support of Muhyiddin to lead Bersatu.
“I follow the answer given by Sahruddin,” he said when asked for comments on current developments within Johor Bersatu.
Yesterday, 14 Johor Bersatu divisions, in a joint statement issued by Tanjung Piai Bersatu chief Musa Khamis, declared a loss of confidence in Muhyiddin.
The group had previously demanded Muhyiddin remove Sahruddin as Johor Bersatu chief.
The former Johor menteri besar had stepped down as Johor PN chief in the wake of the Pagoh MP’s resignation as PN chief effective Jan 1.
Malaysiakini learnt that the last Johor Bersatu leadership meeting, chaired by Sahruddin, failed to meet the required quorum, with only 14 of 35 members in attendance. - Mkini
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.