KUALA LUMPUR – Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari has thrown shade at his opponents, saying that voters in Gombak were “betrayed” by individuals who were swayed by “demons, fear, and insecurity”.
He added that the seeds of betrayal were sown by the one who was chosen by Gombak – referencing Gombak incumbent MP Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali.
“While the spirit of reformasi was well received in Gombak and Selangor since 2008, an individual saw an opportunity to seize position – probably not feeling confident with change.
“Several others were swayed by demons, fear and insecurity, leading them to betray the movement. Unfortunately, part of it was started by the person we chose in Gombak,” said Amirudin last night after the launch of Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) election machinery in the hotly contested constituency.
After nomination day tomorrow, Gombak will be a battleground between Amirudin and Azmin, whose party-hopping and role in the 2020 Sheraton Move will be used as ammunition against the former Selangor MB.
Amirudin was quoted by Getaran as saying that his decision is fuelled by the need to restore dignity to PH, as those involved in the political instability post-Sheraton Move have failed to show remorse for their actions.
“Dignity must be restored because we once fielded an MP who was later one of the causes of political and economic instability in the state and the country.
“Although I’ve been labelled an outsider, I think Gombak and Selangor are close to my heart.”
Azmin held Gombak from 2008 under the PKR ticket until he defected to Bersatu in the Sheraton Move that saw the fall of the PH federal administration after 22 months in power.
Last week, he chided opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for engaging in a “proxy war” by sending another candidate to contest against him in Gombak for the coming general election.
Azmin said Anwar should have personally competed against him rather than sending Amirudin and “running off” to Tambun, Perak.
Azmin then claimed that Amirudin was “forced” to contest in Gombak and questioned his ability to lead the constituency.
“He may have a big position, but does he have a big heart?”
Previously, Azmin revealed that Amirudin had confided in him in a recent phone call to express fear over PKR’s decision to field him in Gombak.
Azmin claimed that Amirudin said he was sent to the seat to be “slaughtered”.
In response to Azmin’s claims, Amirudin said he was merely joking during the phone call.
“Before that, we made some small talk. (By no means did) I reveal party secrets. It was only a joke, nothing personal about it. His life must be boring for him to say this in public.”
Malaysians will head to the ballot box on November 19 while early polling is set on November 15. – The Vibes, November 4, 2022
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