Ex-Melaka CM Idris Haron expected to announce he is quitting Umno

MELAKA: Former Melaka chief minister Datuk Seri Idris Haron is expected to announce his exit from Umno by Wednesday (Sept 19) evening.

In a message to The Star, Idris stated "Breaking News!!!!, Ex-CM of Melaka is expected to leave the party".

Idris, the former state Umno liason committee chairman, had indicated that Umno won't survive long if it continued to manipulate racial rhetoric to garner support among the rural folks.

He also anticipates a third political coalition to replace Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan in the next three to four years.

In August, Idris had said his theory of the emergence of a third force came following discontentment among the people with the current state of the government after cases of abuse of power surfaced.

"I believe the disgust on the current administration among the grassroots is not only confined to Melaka but could be a widespread sentiment shrouding other states, too.

"But people are left with no choice as neither Barisan or PAS are also popular among the grassroots," he said.

He noted Barisan should have shed their bigotry outlook after May 9 in order to gain support while Pakatan, for instance in Melaka, shouldn't deny that some of its officials had begun abusing their powers, barely 100 days in office.

"The political feedback that I received has prompted me to conclude that a third force would emerge before the 15th General Election.

"I also predict that the current state government or even Federal would not go for a full five-year term based on lack of uniformity among the component parties as well as inexperience in administration aspects," he said, adding that this exceptedPenang and Selangor as both had been Opposition states for a long time.

Idris said it would also be tough for Barisan, which has been riddled with a number of controversies, to make a comeback in the next election.

"Hence, I foresee, those right-thinking politicians in Barisan and Pakatan could unite to form a new coalition together with non-governmental organisations comprising experienced journalists and professionals," he said.

Idris said the new generation of voters have a strong desire for a true Malaysian political party by not being far right or far left of the political spectrum.

Idris also divulged that he was chosen to be the Opposition chief in the recently concluded state assembly sitting by the 12 Barisan lawmakers.

"Initially, I wasn't the choice as I had lost my posts in the Umno division election last month but the other Barisan leaders wanted me to represent them," he added.