Umno veteran: Let PAS lead PN, Bersatu should sack rogue MPs

 

With more Bersatu MPs pledging support to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s administration, an Umno veteran called for PAS to lead Perikatan Nasional instead.

“PAS should helm PN and Bersatu should stop squabbling… Even the party president’s wife’s name gets dragged (into the argument).

“As for the rogue MPs, Bersatu should just boot them out. Have some pride. What a mess PN is in,” said Shahrir Abdul Samad on Facebook.

On Jan 24, Tanjung Karang MP Zulkafperi Hanapi became the sixth MP from Bersatu to declare support for Anwar, citing the well-being of his constituents.

“Realising the importance of political stability and smooth economic recovery, and knowing the suffering of the people burdened by the rising cost of living, I would like to pledge my support to the prime minister’s leadership from the date of this statement.

“The decision is to ensure the welfare of my constituents are well taken care of, and for the sake of infrastructural development in my constituency,” Zulkafperi was reported as saying.

Two days later, Bukit Gantang MP Syed Abu Hussin Syed Abu Fasal alleged that Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin's "U-turn" in not giving up the presidency during the party's annual congress had demoralised members who wanted to see changes.

What made things worse was Abu Hussin claiming Muhyiddin made the “U-turn” after getting advice from his wife.

“I don't blame his wife, but as a leader of a party that is facing all kinds of challenges, this is the most important decision.

“Some leaders are demoralised, (they) don't know where the party is heading,” he was reported as saying.

‘Not worried of DAP’

Abu Hussin is one of the six Bersatu lawmakers who have pledged support to the government.

Other MPs who have pledged support for the government are Kuala Kangsar MP Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid, Mohd Azizi Abu Naim (Gua Musang), Zahari Kechik (Jeli), and Suhaili Abdul Rahman (Labuan).

Taking a swipe at the opposition, Shahrir reminded PN of how they accused Umno of not having dignity for cooperating with DAP after the 15th general election.

“I remember how they accused Umno of not having any self-respect for working with DAP during their campaigns in by-elections and the six state elections.

“Now, six of their own MPs have pledged support for the prime minister and unity government, without worrying about DAP’s presence in the administration,” said the former minister.