KUALA LUMPUR – Former Melaka chief minister Datuk Seri Idris Haron says the three state reps and himself who triggered the state government’s collapse, are in no rush to join Pakatan Harapan (PH).
Idris said that they have been advised to take their time on the matter, following a meeting with PKR, Amanah, and DAP party leaders.
“We have yet to submit any application to any party,” he was quoted as saying by news portal Free Malaysia Today.
“Party leaders have been pleasant and very supportive over our struggles and all of them encourage us to move on and not to rush.”
Idris also said that PH leaders understood that the four politicians had taken a huge risk when they withdrew support for the state government led by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Sulaiman Md Ali.
“We have lost everything. We withdrew support to reform the state government,” he said, adding that the four reps will decide on their political future prior to the nomination date for the Melaka state election on November 8.
“No one is lobbying for anything as our top priority is to ensure Umno does not win the November 20 polls.”
In a statement today, the PH presidential council said that it will not be fielding Pengkalan Batu incumbent Datuk Norhizam Hassan Baktee in next month’s Melaka polls.
The council – which comprises PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Amanah president Mohamad Sabu, and DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng – issued the statement after holding a meeting today.
On the status of Idris, Norhizam, Datuk Noor Effandi Ahmad (Telok Mas) and Datuk Nor Azman Hassan (Pantai Kundor) contesting under PH, the council said the matter was not discussed.
“Since they (the four politicians) are not members of any PH parties, the question of their candidacies in the election was not raised during this meeting.
“However, the presidential council also decided that Norhizam will not be a PH candidate in Melaka.”
Yesterday, Anwar said the four Melaka reps had yet to formally apply to join PH.
Prior to that, Anwar said the four assemblymen were invited to a PH event on Monday night to show gratitude for bringing change in Melaka, but this did not mean that they were PH’s pick for the polls.
On Monday, the Election Commission set November 20 as polling day and November 8 for nomination, giving parties 12 days to campaign. – The Vibes, October 21, 2021
