SEBERANG JAYA – There are “friends” in Umno who believe that being partners with Bersatu is the only way to win the elections, said Seberang Jaya assemblyman Afif Bahardin.
Afif, who quit PKR last June to join Bersatu, said it is time for party leaders to put the country’s interests ahead of personal ones, especially for those involved in court cases.
“Even though Umno has sent a (‘divorce’) letter, I believe some friends in the party know what the priorities are now.
“They are also part of the federal and state governments,” he said after receiving his Covid-19 vaccine at the Seberang Jaya clinic.
Umno has made it clear that its political cooperation with Bersatu will end once Parliament is dissolved to make way for fresh elections.
Bersatu yesterday said it will look to strengthen its cooperation with other Perikatan Nasional allies – PAS, Sabah Star, SAPP and Gerakan – to face the 15th general election.
However, the Perlis and Sabah Umno chapters have expressed their readiness to continue working with Bersatu in the next polls.
Asked about rumours of him leaving the Seberang Jaya seat to return to Shah Alam come GE15, Afif said the party leadership will decide the matter.
“Our main mission is to win all parliamentary seats contested by PN.”
He also hinted that he is open to contest in any seat.
“It is up to the top leadership because in terms of strategy, we need to present a ‘winnable candidate’ if we want to win.”
Afif has held Seberang Jaya for two terms since May 2013. – The Vibes, March 5, 2021
