Padang Besar Bersatu deputy chief, 19 others quit party

 The group says they will join Hamzah Zainudin’s Wawasan.

The resignations of Padang Besar Bersatu deputy chief Ramzi Udi and 19 other party leaders come days after Bersatu appointed Padang Besar division chief Izizam Ibrahim as its new Perlis chief.

PETALING JAYA:

Padang Besar Bersatu deputy chief Ramzi Udi and 19 other party leaders and members have quit the party with immediate effect, citing dissatisfaction with its leadership at the division, state and central levels.

The group, which said they would join Wawasan, claimed their move was prompted by internal problems within Bersatu.

“We decided to leave after careful consideration as we have lost confidence in Bersatu’s leadership,” said Ramzi at a press conference in Chuping, Perlis.

“We have chosen to join Wawasan under the leadership of Hamzah Zainudin for a clearer political future and to put the people first.”

He said the group’s decision to leave would “paralyse” Bersatu, particularly the Padang Besar division.

Ramzi also claimed that other Bersatu branches in Kangar and Arau could follow suit.

The resignations come days after Bersatu appointed Padang Besar division chief Izizam Ibrahim as its new Perlis chief.

Bersatu secretary-general Azmin Ali said Izizam’s appointment was approved by party president Muhyiddin Yassin and took effect on Sept 3.

The party said Izizam would bring “fresh ideas and strategic plans” to strengthen Bersatu’s struggle in Perlis.

Perlis Bersatu had previously been led by Abu Bakar Hamzah, who is also the menteri besar and Kuala Perlis assemblyman.

Abu Bakar resigned as a member of Bersatu’s Supreme Council on July 9. - FMT