KUALA LUMPUR – Bersatu has downplayed Warisan’s expansion to the peninsula, saying the Sabah-based party is merely “making up the numbers” ahead of the general election.
Party deputy president Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu said this makes Perikatan Nasional (PN), which has a more recognised, capable line-up, more appealing to the rakyat.
“Yes, this (Warisan’s expansion) will ignite the spirit of democracy, because now there is a new choice,” he said in a press conference today.
“But certainly, the public will see that a party with an established combination like PN, which has trusted, experienced leaders, is more interesting.
“This is compared to a party that is merely participating in the democratic process without truly being serious about forming a government successfully.”
Faizal was commenting on Warisan’s official expansion at the national level, with its president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal announcing earlier today that the party will be making its debut in the peninsula in the coming general election.
Warisan, which is positioning itself as a centre-spectrum party as opposed to the left wing Pakatan Harapan (PH), and right wing Barisan Nasional (BN) and Perikatan Nasional (PN), has also offered Shafie as its prime minister candidate.
Shafie had confirmed that his party is currently cooperating with the Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman-led Muda, but said they are open to forming alliances in the future with other parties that share their values.
On former Melaka chief minister Datuk Seri Idris Haron’s proposal for PN and PH to cooperate against BN in the next election, Faizal said while the suggestion is laudable, it lacks wisdom.
“After I left the post of Perak menteri besar, I was on leave for eight months, so I took up the Quran (mengaji). Surely, Idris has a lot of time now, might as well do the same.
“I wouldn’t say his suggestion is bad. Any suggestion to unite any party is good. But to mix sea water and freshwater is not a wise move,” he said.
In an interview with Malaysiakini, the now PKR member Idris said PH needs a wow factor to win in the coming election, adding that the coalition would lose if it goes at it alone, hence suggesting cooperation with PN.
Meanwhile, at Bersatu’s annual general assembly, which is scheduled for this weekend, Faizal said president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin is expected to state the party’s political stand and direction during his policy speech, which will be delivered on Sunday.
“We are expecting him to outline important points which will guide us, including the basic principles of Bersatu’s struggles, the current political situation and especially on Bersatu's position in PN and the government.”
The general assembly, which will take place at Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre, will involve 1,600 delegates from 197 divisions, with a requirement for all attendees to be tested for Covid-19 before entering the hall.
Faizal said the assembly will also see Bersatu’s non-Malay wing taking part for the first time, while there will be a motion to amend the party’s constitution for the establishment of a new female youth wing known as Srikandi Muda. – The Vibes, December 17, 2021
