KUALA LUMPUR – Bersatu deputy president, Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu, has refuted allegations that “cartel” candidates are representing the party in the upcoming state polls.
This follows accusations made by former Bersatu supreme council member Muhammad Faiz Na’aman, who resigned from the party and his position, claiming that the party leadership exhibited bias in candidate selection by favouring certain “cartels.”
Faizal clarified that each candidate participating in the elections has undergone a comprehensive vetting process conducted by the party’s Selection Committee.
“When we present our candidates for the state polls, it’s not merely the individual candidate contesting. In reality, it is the collective party that is competing… Bersatu, in conjunction with other component parties in Perikatan Nasional (PN),” he told Scoop.
“Therefore, all supporters of the party are essentially candidates, as it is the party itself that is contesting. The candidates (fielded) are just the face of the party.
“When we are in power, we must provide services within our capacity as party members, not simply as elected representatives. Once we understand this, only then our fighting spirit will be strong.”
Earlier today, Faiz claimed that the alleged biased candidate selection, which appeared to favour “cartels” and new members added at the last minute, triggered unrest in several divisions in Selangor. This unrest reportedly manifested in acts such as burning the party flag in protest.
Faiz also claimed that decisions made by the Bersatu leadership often neglected the opinions of the grassroots, early founders, and its machinery.
Meanwhile, Faizal expressed his confusion over Faiz’s resignation, saying the former executive committee member did not voice out any concerns during the party’s recent supreme council meeting.
“(The decision) was a surprising matter, but I believe he should have discussed his concerns as our supreme council meeting was barely a week ago, he did not speak at all,” he said.
“(He) did not voice any issue about himself or the party. In his statement, I read him criticising the party leadership, saying that the meeting is merely a rubberstamp approving all decisions made in the political bureau.
“Throughout my time in Bersatu, the chairman or president chairing the meetings has never stopped members from voicing their views.”
In contrast, the former Tambun MP said Faiz’s actions have only shown his true colours, as the latter’s claims are not aligned with the pillar of Bersatu’s struggle.
“If a person wishes to become a party supporter and be part of its leadership with hopes he will be empowered in whatever way – maybe through power or project remuneration – he definitely does not deserve to be in Bersatu’s leadership.”
Regardless, Faizal said he respects Faiz’s decisions and wishes him well for his political career.
“I hope that just because there were uncomfortable matters, he chose to leave the party and yet criticise it,” he said.
“You want to move on, go ahead. We will remain friends without needing to criticise parties and others.” August 7, 2023