KUALA LUMPUR – Tebrau Bersatu chief Mazlan Bujang has announced his exit from the party with immediate effect, while hinting at a possible exodus following in his footsteps.
Speaking during a press conference streamed live on Facebook, the Puteri Wangsa assemblyman said he decided to quit the party after considering all the pros and cons of his position, ultimately deciding that vacating is the best option to encourage political stability in Johor.
“Resigning along with me will be my secretaries, several officers, and the majority of committee members of leaders from the Tebrau Bersatu division office.
“I will not become a member of any (political) party, but I will be in support of the Barisan Nasional government and will support the leadership of Datuk Hasni Mohammad as the Johor menteri besar to reinstate political stability for the betterment of Johor and its people.”
Mazlan also predicted and encouraged a possible exodus of other Bersatu members and leaders.
“What I expect as we approach nomination day is many will follow in my footsteps; many have already left unofficially and joined parties like Pejuang, Amanah, and such.
“But to those who will follow in my footsteps, God willing there will be many of them.”
Rumours have been swirling since early this month of Mazlan’s possible defection from Bersatu as an effect of his fractious relationship with party president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
When asked on his relationship with Muhyiddin, Mazlan claimed he had never spoken out against the Bersatu president but alleged he was repeatedly boycotted by the Pagoh MP when it concerned Johor state-level meetings.
“I actually do not like to comment on the internal issues of Bersatu because I do not like to smear anyone’s image, but I have kept quiet for long.
“Today I can say, I was appointed state chief by the president, he signed my appointment letter, but I boycotted; Pagoh never sent any representatives during the Johor division meetings, but when I could not make it, I would send my representative on behalf.
“He has never respected me, so why is there a need for me to respect him? As a leader, he needs to be democratic and realistic,” he said about Muhyiddin.
Mazlan added how he has already received offers to join other parties but declined to divulge more information.
On Monday, Mazlan had said he will not contest under the party’s banner during the upcoming Johor election, the clearest indication before today’s announcement of his disillusionments with Muhyiddin. – The Vibes, January 27, 2022