MP speculated to defect praises Dr M but does not reveal next move

Bersatu's Sri Gading MP Shahruddin Md Salleh praised former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad but did not address speculation he would switch support to the nonagenarian.

The deputy works minister was spotted meeting the former premier at the Bersatu headquarters on May 29, a day after the party, which is controlled by Muhyiddin Yassin, nullified the membership of Mahathir and his allies.

However, Shahruddin did not appear to recognise the nullification.

"All Bersatu members are important. I was at the Bersatu headquarters because I love the party," he was quoted as saying by Harian Metro.

After the meeting, Mahathir's allies circulated posters on social media congratulating Shahruddin for "siding against kleptocracy".

However, Shahruddin did not reveal the purpose of the meeting.

"It was good to meet the founder (of Bersatu), fighter, father, and, statesman.

"We went through tough times together, campaigning to fight against BN (in the last general election)," he said.

At present, Muhyiddin's Perikatan Nasional alliance has the support of 113 MPs, which translates into a fragile two-seat majority in the 222-member Dewan Rakyat.

If Shahruddin defects, it would leave Muhyiddin with a single-seat advantage.

Muhyiddin was sworn in as prime minister on March 1 after Mahathir refused to lead a new coalition the former put together comprising Bersatu, BN, PAS, GPS, PBS and Star.

Muhyiddin had pulled Bersatu out of Pakatan Harapan, leading to the collapse of the coalition's government that came into power following the 2018 general election.

Mahathir has indicated that he plans to return Bersatu to Harapan but Muhyiddin appears to have the upper hand at this juncture.

Previously, Alor Gajah MP Mohd Redzuan Md Yusof, who is also a minister in the Prime Minister's Department, was speculated to be defecting as well but he has since denied this. - Mkini