KUALA LUMPUR – Dr Muhammad Faiz Na’aman has quit Bersatu and his position as the party’s supreme council member.
In a statement today, he said he was not influenced by others but made his decision due to a difference in opinion and vision regarding Bersatu’s management and future.
He has been vocal in his criticism of certain party decisions, the latest being high-profile Bersatu candidates – Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali (Hulu Klang), Datuk Seri Rina Harun (Batu Tiga) and Dr Afif Bahardin (Taman Medan) – were bad picks.
“The party leadership’s decisions often neglect the voices of the grassroots, early founders, and advice of (its) machinery, which led to Bersatu’s loss in the Melaka and Johor state polls.
“That history may repeat itself in the (upcoming) six state elections, especially for Bersatu incumbent seats in Selangor.”
Faiz said the biased candidate selection in favour of “cartels” and last-minute party members led to a rebellion in at least nine divisions in Selangor, to the point of burning the party flag in protest.
He added that Bersatu had strayed from its initial objective of replacing Umno by providing space to youth and new faces, especially those with clean and academic backgrounds.
Faiz, who was one of the earliest Bersatu Youth members, said he remained obedient and loyal to the party leadership for seven years, although he was rarely given a serious opportunity to be “empowered” as a leader.
He added that the “strongest” component party in PN is slowly losing its respect for Bersatu, going as far as ignoring requests and negotiation decisions made by the latter.
This, Faiz claimed, was because that “party” knew that Bersatu was getting weaker from its leadership, current political intrigue, and figures who do not have the respect of the public. – August 7, 2023