Azmin pledges commitment to Bersatu, says party reflects his identity

KUALA LUMPUR – Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali appears to have pledged his full commitment to Bersatu, stressing that the ideals and principles championed by the party represent his very identity.

This all but quells speculations that the Bersatu supreme council member may quit the political outfit.

In a statement this morning, the international trade and industry minister chiefly commended the party for its stand in embracing the country’s multi-racial community, citing a recent amendment to its constitution to accept non-Malay associate members.

This is despite Bersatu identifying itself primarily as a party with a Malay and Bumiputera identity that continues to defend the rights and sovereignty of the race and the Islamic religion.

Azmin also heaped praise on the policies and initiatives introduced by Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin when he was prime minister, including the various economic stimulus packages and mass vaccination programme during the Covid-19 pandemic and its ensuing economic crisis.

“The dynamic, progressive, and inclusive image of Bersatu is very much in line with today’s aspirations to develop a united Malaysia capable of facing current challenges.

“I would like to stress that the ideals and principles of Bersatu are my identity. We will continue to move together with party members in building a clean, transparent, and committed government of integrity,” he said.

Azmin also thanked Muhyiddin in jumping to his defence and showing confidence and trust in him amid his rumoured exit from the party.

This is following speculations that he and several other Bersatu leaders aligned to him might join Datuk Zuraida Kamaruddin in quitting the party.

Zuraida had announced on May 26 that she is joining fledgling Parti Bangsa Malaysia.

The party later on June 9 confirmed her membership and announced her as the president-designate and de facto leader.

On Tuesday, Muhyiddin denied that Azmin and Dewan Rakyat deputy speaker Datuk Mohd Rashid Hasnon were both leaving Bersatu.

Azmin, Zuraida, and Rashid were part of a group of lawmakers who quit PKR in February 2020 and joined Bersatu in defecting Pakatan Harapan, leading to the collapse of the then government. – The Vibes, June 17, 2022