THERE is discontent among several Bersatu assemblymen in Selangor over the party leadership due to a number of issues although they are reportedly taking a wait-and-see approach before deciding who to support.
FMT reported a source as saying that while several assemblymen were dissatisfied with the leadership it remains unclear if they want to follow the lead of Selat Klang assemblyman Datuk Abdul Rashid Asari.
Abdul Rashid, who was the former Selangor Bersatu chairman, declared support for the leadership of Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari on Wednesday (March 5).
He said he made the decision after considering Selangor Ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah’s speech where the monarch had praised the state government’s administration for being on the right track for the progress and wellbeing of the people.
He said he also took into consideration several of Perikatan Nasional’s (PN) actions, especially Selangor PN, which he saw as silent against criticism directed at the Malay rulers, which he deemed contrary to the principles of Malay Muslims.
Five other assemblymen from Bersatu were later reported as set to declare support for Amirudin as well: Muhamad Muhaimin Harith Abdullah Sani (Batang Kali), Wan Dzahanurin Ahmad (Sungai Kandis), Datuk Seri Jamil Salleh (Dengkil), Datuk Harrison Hassan (Jeram) and Rosnizan Ahmad (Morib).
This was, however, refuted by Selangor opposition leader Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali and Wan Dzahanurin.
Another source nevertheless told the news portal that five assemblymen were being wooed to support the Pakatan Harapan-Barisan Nasional leadership in Selangor.
“It seems they are being influenced due to the lack of allocations and the challenges in carrying out their duties,” the source stated.
Abdul Rashid’s decision to announce his support for Amirudin’s leadership came after Bersatu amended its constitution to state that MPs or assemblymen would have their membership automatically revoked if they supported any other party or policy that is not aligned with Bersatu’s position.
The amendment is still pending approval from the Registrar of Societies. Meanwhile, Azmin, who is also PN’s Selangor chief, had condemned Abdul Rashid for expressing support towards Amirudin, saying Abdul Rashid’s action betrayed the will of the voters who elected him.
“We, members of the PN state assembly, strongly condemn the actions taken by [Abdul Rashid]. This is a treacherous and irresponsible act to the mandate given by the people,” he was reported as saying during a press conference after yesterday’s state legislative assembly sitting.
Azmin said action will be taken based on Bersatu’s provisions and constitution.
“But, what’s the next course of action? We have the provisions of the law. We have a constitution in the party. Certainly this process we’re going to go through will be fair to all parties,” he added. – March 7, 2024
Main pic credit: Berita Harian
