KUALA LUMPUR – More than 1,000 Bersatu members from eight branches in Jeli, Kelantan, announced today that they are quitting the party due to a loss of confidence in its leadership.
Former Bersatu Kedai Kuala Balah division chief Rodzi Muhammad said that the decision to leave the party was driven by the party’s perceived decline in political influence, particularly regarding the candidate selection for the Nenggiri by-elections.
Besides Rodzi’s division, the other seven Jeli branches involved are Lawang, Asahan, Batu Gajah, Legeh, Nibong, Jedak Tua, and Kubur Datu.
“Today, with me are three Bersatu Jeli committee members, eight branch heads, and a Jeli Bersatu Srikandi (women’s wing) assistant secretary who are quitting the party due to a loss of confidence in its leadership. We are announcing our immediate resignation from the party.
“This decision was taken voluntarily, and there was no coercion, and we were not influenced by any party.
“With that, the eight branches and 18 Srikandi branches are hereby announced as closed,” he said at a press conference today.
He said that confidence in Bersatu had been completely drained and that the party was no longer the dominant party Malays could rely on.
“Bersatu is seen as weak, and this is clear during the election of the Nenggiri state assembly candidates where Bersatu was played and manipulated by PAS. We are deeply embarrassed and disheartened by this misjudgement.
“We believe the unity government led by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is more charismatic and viable,” he said.
Rodzi also added that so far, the members have not switched to a different party but are supportive of the unity government.
Meanwhile, Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi confirmed that 480 Bersatu members – led by Che Ariffin Hussin, who is former Bersatu Gua Musang deputy chief – have submitted their membership forms to Umno.
He said that the decision was due to a loss of trust in Bersatu’s top leadership, particularly with their choice of Mohd Rizwadi Ismail, who is former Gua Musang PAS Youth Council deputy chief, as the candidate for Perikatan Nasional in Nenggiri. – August 7, 2024