KUALA LUMPUR – Fresh from his Umno sacking, Datuk Seri Idris Haron has indicated his willingness to join Pakatan Harapan, and even lead as Melaka’s next chief minister.
In a statement today that The Vibes was given early access to, the former Sg Udang assemblyman acknowledged the challenges in heading a diverse new political alliance comprising PH and other ex-reps.
He said if the coalition is to nominate him as chief minister, he believes it is because he fulfils the standard of quality demanded of him, and not merely to make him a “yes-man”, which Idris said he was a victim of in Umno.
“I am still free following my sacking from Umno, and PH is an option. Many of their leaders have contacted me to ask about me. Let’s wait and allow this crisis to settle down first.
“Certainly, I will work together with anyone who upholds social justice and the welfare of the rakyat.”
On Monday, Idris and three others withdrew their support for Datuk Seri Sulaiman Md Ali, citing a loss of confidence in his handling of the Melaka government.
The trio are Pantai Kundor’s Datuk Nor Azman Hassan (formerly of Umno), Telok Mas’ Datuk Noor Effandi Ahmad (formerly of Bersatu) and Pengkalan Batu’s Datuk Norhizam Hassan Baktee (independent).
Former Melaka chief minister Idris, Nor Azman and Noor Effandi were given marching orders from their parties following their withdrawal of support for Sulaiman as chief minister.
It is believed that there are moves to get them to join PH, with meetings held between them and the PKR top leadership in recent days.
On Tuesday, Melaka Governor Tun Mohd Ali Mohd Rustam dissolved the state assembly, paving the way for a snap election within 60 days.
Vow to fight on
In a brief message to The Vibes, Idris said he will not back down from his fight following his sacking, and pinned blame for the state assembly’s dissolution on the Melaka leadership.
The decision of the four former reps to withdraw their support is not political as they are merely expressing their dissatisfaction over the transgressions taking place, he said, adding that their action is aimed at rebuilding the people’s trust.
He said certain parties’ move to advise the governor to dissolve the state assembly is considered politicking and goes against the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s decree.
“If the dissolution is done in the spirit of the constitution, then it is appropriate. But if there are attempts to negate the constitution by certain hidden hands, it will tarnish the governor’s institution as a symbol of unity and harmony.”
Idris questioned the hasty decision to call a state election without abiding by the procedures put in place by the federal government to contain Covid-19.
“There will be negative ramifications when a change in leadership that is supposed to be done harmoniously turns into an issue that could lead to a constitutional crisis.”
He took Umno to task for purportedly practising selective punishment in giving Nor Azman and him the boot.
State chapter chairman Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh, who is also Melaka speaker, was not disciplined, holding secret discussions with DAP to get its support when the state government was nearing collapse, he said.
“What happened to Umno’s ‘no DAP, no Anwar’ stand?” he said, referring to opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“I am confident that he (Rauf) will be safe from any action. The right to be heard and natural justice is non-existent.”
‘I was used by Umno’
Idris said since he was elected rep in 2018, there was no room provided to him in Umno to air his grievances and views.
He accused the party of using him for its own benefit, and to protect certain individuals within Umno.
“In the exco meeting, I was among the most vocal, consistently reminding members, including the chief minister, about matters concerning the state.
“Unfortunately, my views were for nothing as there were bigger powers above. I’m confident everyone knows who is the ‘king’ and who is the chief minister,” he said, but stopped short of naming anyone.
“I won’t be used any more, and this (pulling support) is the best decision to open everyone’s eyes.”
Three days ago, he alleged interference by certain individuals in the state’s administration, resulting in excos being unable to properly carry out their duties to the people.
He said matters referred to Sulaiman for action could not be decided by the latter, and the issues were instead referred to other parties. – The Vibes, October 8, 2021
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