[UPDATED] Larkin rep Izhar quits Bersatu over loss of faith in Muhyiddin

KUALA LUMPUR – Incumbent Larkin assemblyman Datuk Mohd Izhar Ahmad has announced his departure from Bersatu with immediate effect, citing a loss of confidence in party president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

Izhar said he would not be contesting in the coming state election under any party banner, but has urged voters to cast their ballots for Barisan Nasional to ensure stability.

“I won’t be defending my Larkin seat nor contest in any other constituencies in Johor,” he said at a press conference today.

“For the sake of political stability and the development of Johor, BN must be given the opportunity to govern the state, to ensure efforts to assist the rakyat in the pandemic and economic crisis can be carried out.”

According to Izhar, his decision to quit Bersatu was done with a heavy heart, but he was forced to do it after seeing the party losing its direction and failing to stick to its agenda following its formation.

For me, Muhyiddin not only failed to take the party to a higher level, but he did not even attempt to restore the party after he split with Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s faction.

“Such an attitude has not only impeded the party’s development, it also affected our idealism,” he said.

Izhar’s resignation from Bersatu comes just days after former Johor party chief and Puteri Wangsa assemblyman Mazlan Bujang quit the political outfit.

Asked if more are expected to follow suit, he said his decision to leave Bersatu was done on his own, and that there was no prior discussion with any other member.

“But if you look, those quitting Bersatu are key individuals. We are the incumbents, and we have the conscience to do so. So, just wait and see (if more will leave),” he said.

On his decision to give his backing to BN, Izhar said this is because he believes the coalition is the most capable of bringing the country back to its right track and uniting the Malays.

He also defended caretaker Johor menteri besar Datuk Hasni Mohammad’s move to seek the dissolution of the state assembly, saying the government needs to ensure a bigger majority to promise stability.

We cannot carry on with a slim majority. We have our neighbouring country (Singapore) watching us. Hence, political stability is crucial.”

“And if Hasni is given the mandate to continue as the menteri besar, I am confident in him, because I have served as an exco under him, and I have seen his capability, ideas, and commitment.”

Asked on his decision not to contest in the coming election and what he plans to do next, the former banker said he is prepared to return to “normal life” and will assist where necessary from the outside.

“If I were to commit myself to any party in the future, I will have to organise a proper analysis to ensure the party I serve is a good party that serves the rakyat. We will wait and see,” he said.

Last Saturday, Johor’s Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar assented to dissolve the state assembly following an audience with Hasni.

The Election Commission will be meeting on February 9 to finalise key dates pertaining to the Johor polls, with a press conference scheduled after. – The Vibes, January 29, 2022