Razali trying to position himself as PAS-friendly, says analyst

 The Kijal assemblyman's decision to remain in Bersatu after quitting as Terengganu Bersatu chief is described as a 'tactical move' to ensure his seat is not vacated under the anti-hopping law.

Razali Idris, who is the assemblyman for Kijal, announced his resignation as Terengganu Bersatu chairman yesterday without stating any reason. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA:

The resignation of Razali Idris as Terengganu Bersatu chief has been described by a political analyst as Razali’s attempt to position himself as a “PAS-friendly” assemblyman amid the fallout between the two partners in Perikatan Nasional.

Mazlan Ali of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia believes Razali’s decision to remain in Bersatu is a “tactical move” to ensure his Kijal seat is not vacated under the anti-hopping law.

“It also allows him to remain as an executive councillor in the PAS-led state government,” he told FMT.

Razali announced his resignation as Terengganu Bersatu chairman yesterday without stating any reason. He also confirmed that he would step down as head of the Marang division in mid-September

In June, Terengganu menteri besar Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar said he would retain Razali, the sole Bersatu representative in the state executive council, despite PAS ending its political cooperation with the party.

Separately, Ahmad Zaharuddin Sani Ahmad Sabri of Global Asia Consulting said Razali’s decision to step down from leadership posts in Terengganu Bersatu could be read as a tactic to ensure his political longevity.

However, it could come off as Razali “kowtowing” to PAS, he said.

Zaharuddin added that Samsuri’s decision to retain Razali in his government in June was a demonstration of PAS’s power and hegemony in Terengganu.

“However, voters have the right to ask, ‘If PAS’s ties with Bersatu are officially over, why retain him in the state government?’” - FMT