KUALA LUMPUR – Umno’s Pantai Kundor assemblyman Datuk Nor Azman Hassan could not control his emotions and cried during a press conference held today.
Nor Azman was reduced to tears while apologising to the people of Melaka after explaining his decision to withdraw support for Chief Minister Datuk Seri Sulaiman Md Ali.
This led to the dissolution of the state assembly by Melaka Governor Tun Mohd Ali Rustam as announced by state Speaker Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh, who said Melaka will face a snap election 60 days from yesterday.
He then apologised on behalf of Umno’s Sg Udang rep Datuk Seri Idris Haron, who also withdrew his support for the state leadership.
“I apologise to the people of Melaka. Please forgive us. I’m speaking from the heart, my tears are not frivolous.
“I love Melaka. I was born in Tanah Merah. I truly apologise to the people. All we do, we are doing it for all of you. There is no self-interest.”
Rauf said Melaka will face a snap election 60 days from yesterday after Ali dissolved the state assembly effective Monday.
Rauf said the dissolution proclamation was gazetted yesterday.
He said this follows a letter sent by the outgoing Sulaiman to the governor, informing that four assemblymen have withdrawn their support for the state leadership.
The four are Umno’s Idris and Nor Azman, independent assemblyman Datuk Norhizam Hassan Baktee, and Bersatu’s Datuk Noor Effandi Ahmad.
In addition, he said that he and Idris are still Umno members and that he still has love for the party although they withdrew support for the Umno-led state government.
“To the Umno president, vice-president and the top leadership, I am still an Umno member, and I will not join any other parties. I will only decide during the 15th general election.
“Idris and I are still members of Umno. If they want to sack us, we have to be called for a meet. It is too late for Rauf to meet me, sorry it’s all too late.
“There are people who say I am doing this for my own benefit, but I am not crazy about positions. They framed me,” he said.
Snap election allegiances undecided
When asked if both the lawmakers will contest as independent candidates in the coming snap election, Azman said they will consider and decide on which party to join soon.
“I will contest in my seat, Pantai Kundor. We can't contest as independent candidates. We will think of which party to join.
“Not sure about the other two (Norhizam and Noor Effandi), but we will pick a party,” he said.
Meanwhile, Idris revealed that he has received offers from other parties, with two party presidents contacting him as soon as the news of his removal from Umno was made public.
“Three to four parties have approached me. When the news of my removal from Umno was made known, two party presidents contacted me.
“One door closes but many other doors open. In this context, politics is very fertile, but democracy is ‘barren’ in Melaka.” – The Vibes, October 6, 2021
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