BERSATU grassroots are reportedly not pleased that former health minister Khairy Jamaluddin has been offered a seat on the party’s Supreme Council as they believe that there are others in the party that are more deserving.
Two division leaders, speaking to FMT on condition of anonymity, stressed that the offer has not gone down well with the grassroots as Khairy is not even a Bersatu member.
“There are many others who have been working hard for the party to get a seat, and now one is being offered to someone who is yet to be a Bersatu member,” said a Selangor division leader.
He argued that while Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin may have discussed the topic with senior leaders, the party should have also consulted the grassroots before making the offer public.
“When it comes to elections, the grassroots are the ones who do most of the work, from talking to voters to setting up flags, and so on,” he stressed.
“It does not look nice that a decision this big is made without hearing the voice of the grassroots.”
Meanwhile, the other Bersatu division leader from Negri Sembilan believes that the party will provide Khairy with a spot in the state elections should he accept Muhyiddin’s offer.
He pointed out that this move would disappoint many Bersatu members who were hoping for a seat nomination, adding that this could spark an internal strike and jeopardise party unity.
However, a Supreme Council member who also spoke to the news portal on condition of anonymity opined that the offer was a constructive step that would benefit the party.
“We are about to face elections across six states, so having someone like Khairy on our side will be good for the party,” he was quoted as saying.
“He seems to be a favourite among the people. He is a popular figure and that is good for us, especially during rough times like now.”
Meanwhile, head of Bersatu’s associate members’ wing Dr Chong Fat Full applauded any initiatives aimed at improving the party’s electoral chances.
“Despite the fact that Bersatu has many charismatic and experienced leaders in its Supreme Council, our leaders must have factored in Khairy’s value in terms of bringing in more votes,” the former Johor EXCO told FMT.
Last Wednesday (May 17), Muhyiddin, who is also the Pagoh MP, had publicly offered Khairy a seat on the Bersatu Supreme Council, saying he believed the former science, technology and innovation minister could still contribute to the party.
Khairy said on Monday (May 22) that he needed time to think about Muhyiddin’s offer since he did not want to expedite his political comeback despite the upcoming six state elections. – May 25, 2023
