Perak MB's 'this will be resolved soon' remark intrigues Zaid

The spotlight landed on Perak Menteri Besar Ahmad Faizal Azumu after a video clip emerged last week in which he complained about waging a lone battle against DAP and pledging to uphold Malay interests in Islam.

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad had defended him, arguing he was explaining the situation to a group of hostile fisherfolk who believed that DAP dominated Pakatan Harapan.

However, for DAP member Zaid Ibrahim, there is another part of the video which has piqued his interest.

This is the part where the menteri besar, from Bersatu, hinted that a solution to the problem is close at hand.

“...Saya tak boleh cerita terus-terang di sini, ada orang kat sini.

“Tapi apa namanya sebenarnya kita dah dekat, tak payah gaduh, sebenarnya ok. Sebenarnya benda ini sebenarnya benda ini tak lama lagi akan selesai...sebenar-benarnya tak nak cerita, kita paham-paham la,” he said.

“... I cannot be frank here, there are people here.

"Actually, we are close (to solving the matter). No need to fight... Actually, this thing will be resolved soon... Actually, I don't want to talk about this. 'Paham-pahamlah' (you should understand).”

Zaid said he is curious about what Faizal (below) meant, pointing out the menteri besar also remarked: “We are depending on Sabah and Sarak, otherwise 'Melayu jahanam' (Malays are finished).”

“I am wondering if this is hinting at a realignment of political forces?” asked the former law minister.

Regardless, Zaid told Malaysiakini that based on recent developments, it is clear Bersatu does not want DAP as a partner.

“In fact, it’s clear Bersatu does not want DAP. About time DAP realises this,” he added.

Faizal's video was filmed during an informal discussion between the menteri besar and group of people in Pontian, Johor, where he was campaigning for Harapan in the Tanjung Piai by-election.

Also present was Harapan candidate Karmainie Sardini.

Faizal's remarks drew an acerbic rebuke from Perak PKR chief Farhash Wafa Salvador Rizal Mubarak, who claimed that the former does not deserve to be menteri besar.

However, Farhash declined to comment when asked if he was satisfied with Mahathir's explanation.

“I believe Bersatu's top leadership has addressed the matter as they deem fit, and I do not want any disharmony within Harapan.

“Any further comments should come from the menteri besar instead,” he told Malaysiakini.

Meanwhile, Faizal is also expected to clarify another video circulating on social media, featuring a man in a BN T-shirt and cap claiming the menteri besar discussed the possibility of Bersatu withdrawing from Harapan.

“Ahmad (Faizal) is currently attending the state meeting. He will respond to the issue later,” his aide Adie Surie Zulkefli told Star Online. - Mkini