Bersatu rep wants to sit with opposition to protest attack on Dr M

Jeram assemblyperson Mohd Shaid Rosli has asked to be seated with the opposition bloc during next month's Selangor legislative assembly sitting, in order to protest DAP state representative Ronnie Liu’s remarks against Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

In response, state opposition chief Rizam Ismail told Malaysiakini that he welcomed Shaid to the bloc during the sitting, which is slated to take place on Nov 1.

Shaid said that his act is a symbolic protest against Liu, but does not mean that he is joining Umno.

"I have written a letter to the speaker to allow me to sit with the opposition as a protest against Ronnie Liu," said the Bersatu assemblyperson.

The assembly sitting will see Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari presenting the state's 2020 budget.

Commenting on Shaid's act, Rizam said: "I was contacted by YB (Shaid) where he said he was ready to join the opposition during the assembly as he was frustrated with Liu.

"He also said that he had lost his enthusiasm to work with DAP, which appears to be growing more hypocritical and has shown its true colours.

"I welcome Shaid if it's true that he's willing to leave Pakatan Harapan for what he thinks is right. This is good for the opposition to strengthen the check-and-balance over the Selangor administration."

Liu had remarked that Pakatan Harapan would still be successful without Bersatu.

He had also expressed concern that Mahathir had welcomed members and leaders who had crossed over from Umno into Bersatu.

The Sungai Pelek assemblyperson had also noted that there was no date for the transition of power from Mahathir to his successor.

Earlier, Shaid had challenged Liu to suggest to the Pakatan Harapan presidential council that Bersatu be expelled from the coalition. - Mkini