KUALA LUMPUR – A war of words has again erupted between Umno and Bersatu, following allegations of “stealing and buying” members.
Umno Youth chief Datuk Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki in a Facebook post this morning accused Bersatu of nicking members of his party.
“For the past few months, there have been many complaints from and anxiety among Umno members and grassroots leaders, accusing Bersatu of encouraging (recruiters) to ‘steal’ and ‘buy’ members from Umno.
“Some have admitted to joining Bersatu after being paid up to RM100, and every branch set up would get between RM3,000 and RM5,000.
“Statements from Bersatu leaders that seem without guilt, defending Umno members joining Bersatu based on the policy of ‘openness’ and under the Perikatan Nasional roof, only serve to worsen ties between the two parties.”
He urged for a stop to efforts to “steal” and “buy” members if the Umno-Bersatu cooperation in PN is to be maintained.
Such efforts only confirm the perception that Bersatu and PN were formed to weaken and replace Umno, he said.
“Instead of directing resources to establish party branches, political partners such as Umno and PAS should work together to help the people.
“Lessons should be learnt from the Umno-PAS cooperation in 1974-1977 that witnessed fierce competition for members, which led to bad blood for decades.”
Meanwhile, the Malaysian Gazette reported that Bersatu has warned Asyraf to stop making wild and baseless claims.
Its information chief, Wan Saiful Wan Jan, was quoted as saying Asyraf should apologise and withdraw his allegation immediately or face legal action.
“His accusation that those who join Bersatu each gets RM100, and each new branch gets RM3,000 to RM5,000, is unacceptable.
“I demand an immediate apology and a retraction from Datuk Asyraf.”
He added that he will discuss with his party the suitable legal action to take, should there be no apology. – The Vibes, January 2, 2021
