KUALA LUMPUR – The decision to allow former Umno leaders Datuk Seri Idris Haron and Datuk Nor Azman Hassan to contest under the Pakatan Harapan (PH) is not sitting well with at least one DAP leader.
DAP central executive committee member and Penang Deputy Chief Minister II P. Ramasamy made clear his views on the matter, saying that for “PKR and Amanah to accept the two party-hoppers into the fold is not acceptable”.
“PKR president (Datuk Seri) Anwar Ibrahim cannot justify the acceptance of the two leaders saying that was not something akin to the treacherous Sheraton Move. It is the question of the degree of betrayal, but not the betrayal itself.
“Are PKR and Amanah so hard up for candidates that the two needed to be brought in? What were the prior engagements with PKR before the decision was made to abandon the Melaka government?”
He also accused PH component party Amanah of being disappointing and being the weakest link in the coalition.
“If Umno or BN can go alone in the Melaka election, why is PH fumbling, wanting to bring disgraced leaders into its fold? PH seems to preach one thing to the rakyat but does something else for political expediency.
“DAP, a formidable member of the coalition, is hurt. I think their leaders have made it known their stand on the acceptance of the ‘frogs’.”
Ramasamy’s outburst came a day after Anwar announced that Idris will be running for the Asahan seat as part of PKR’s 11-seat allocation while Pantai Kundor incumbent Nor Azman will defend his seat as part of Amanah’s nine-seat allocation.
The naming of PKR and Amanah candidates comes after DAP made a separate announcement on Friday.
DAP has the lowest allocation of seats among its PH allies. PKR is contesting in 11 seats, while Amanah is eyeing nine.
Anwar had previously said it was unfair for the four Melaka reps – who withdrew support for Chief Minister Datuk Seri Sulaiman Md Ali – to be likened to the politicians involved in the Sheraton Move.
“I don’t really agree with people who lump them in the same group as those in the Sheraton Move – those who (have) betrayed the people’s trust,” Anwar said.
“They want to return the mandate to PH, so that is a consideration, although I understand (the sentiments against the four) and follow the controversial and heated comments (on social media).”
Two weeks ago, the PH presidential council said it would not field former DAP man turned independent Datuk Norhizam Hassan Baktee in the polls upon taking into account the views of all who were adamant on this matter.
“It should be emphasised that the people’s interests are more important than those of individuals,” it said in a statement. – The Vibes, November 7, 2021
