Ali Tinju joins PKR, says impressed with Anwar’s performance

 

Ali Baharom, also known as Ali Tinju, says he will urge his supporters to back the unity government. (Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA: Former Umno leader Ali Baharom, who gained notoriety for leading counter-demonstrations against Bersih rallies and staging a “butt protest” outside the home of then Bersih chairman Ambiga Sreenevasan, has joined PKR.

Ali, better known as Ali Tinju, told FMT he was impressed with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s governance, which convinced him to join PKR.

Anwar is the PKR president.

“When Anwar became the prime minister, I doubted his capability, but based on his performance, I feel he is the leader the country needs now.

“His fight against corrupt politicians and civil servants is an uphill battle, as it is a problem that has plagued us for decades, but he has done a great job so far,” the army veteran said.

He said Anwar’s war against corruption had increased confidence among foreign investors in Malaysia.

Ali said he officially became a PKR member on May 5 and is registered with the Bandar Tun Razak division.

Asked what he could bring to the table, he said he would encourage his supporters to back the unity government.

“I have been in politics for over 20 years and with that experience and influence, I will speak the truth and encourage my followers to support the government,” he said.

In 2018, Ali sought to join Bersatu after declaring that he had lost faith in Umno following the corruption scandals involving former prime minister Najib Razak, but was rejected.

Recently, he was spotted campaigning for Pang Sock Tao, the unity government’s candidate in the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election.

In 2012, Ali’s “butt protest” made headlines when he brought about a dozen supporters, with their backs facing Ambiga’s house in Bukit Damansara.

The protest was to warn Ambiga against going ahead with the third Bersih rally that year, following a huge rally in 2011 to demand electoral reforms.

Ali, who had led the “Red Shirts” movement to counter Bersih, had also courted controversy in 2016 when he warned then Bersih chief Maria Chin Abdullah to watch out after she confirmed that a rally would take place that year. - FMT