‘Umno branch intact' - division head dismisses PAS’ claim after defection

Kuala Langat Umno division chief Zurihan Yusop has dismissed claims by PAS that an entire branch of the party had defected from Umno to PAS.

This came after Umno Sri Palas branch chief Nazli Abdul Manap resigned and joined PAS.

Selangor PAS Communications secretary Roslan Shahir Mohd Shahir, in a statement, claimed that Nazli had led a crossover of 48 Umno members to PAS and that the Umno branch would be dissolved.

In a WhatsApp message to Malaysiakini, Zurihan (above) indicated this was not accurate.

“Nazli sent a letter of resignation as Umno branch chief, and last night announced that he was joining PAS.

“However, the Umno Jalan Palas, Taman Dato Hormat branch still exists. It is not disbanded,” said Zurihan.

He said the other branch committee members and regular members remained with the party.

Zurihan also said he did not expect the defections to affect the outcome of the impending Selangor state election.

“No effect. They are just taking advantage of the close approach of the election season,” he said.

Earlier, Roslan claimed that a total of 48 Umno members from the branch in Kuala Langat were set to leave the party and disband the branch.

“All of them declared their exit from the party at a special ceremony last night and handed in PAS membership forms, led by Nazli, who is also head of the neighbourhood association group,” said Roslan.

He said the ceremony was held at the Rukun Tetangga in Telok Panglima Garang and witnessed by Selangor PAS Commissioner Ahmad Yunus Hairi, who is also the Sijangkang state assemblyperson.

“Those who left the party were Umno life members from the branch which is also under the Sijangkang state seat.

“Selangor PAS expects more Umno members to leave because they have lost faith in the leadership of the sacred party and are disappointed with a few selfish Umno leaders who are willing to mortgage the principles of the struggle to defend religion, race, and country.

“They are not willing to accept DAP's struggle,” claimed Roslan. - Mkini