‘Nobody saw Norhizam’s crossover coming’

MELAKA: Controversial assemblyman Datuk Norhizam Hassan Baktee turned the tables on Pakatan Harapan when he defected several hours after joining Melaka DAP leaders in a meeting to discuss the latest political uncertainty in the state.

Nicknamed “YB Hulk”, Norhizam was at a press conference held by state Umno liaison committee chief Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh at a hotel in Ayer Keroh.

His presence there on Monday took many by surprise, including comrade-in-arms Datuk Dr Wong Fort Pin.

Norhizam’s departure helped to bring down the Melaka government just after 22 months in power.

Besides the Pengkalan Batu assemblyman, the other three who quit Pakatan were Datuk Mohd Rafiq Naizamohideen (Paya Rumput), Noor Effandi Ahmad (Telok Mas) and Datuk Muhammad Jailani Khamis (Rembia).

Dr Wong said none of them had expected Norhizam to defect.

“He was with us in a meeting for a serious political discussion but four hours later, appeared with the Perikatan Nasional side. It was a sad episode for all of us as we thought Norhizam would stick with the party through thick and thin, ” he said, adding that they had expected the other three to jump ship.

Dr Wong said Norhizam had been complaining of being underappreciated although he had worked tirelessly over the months.

“He was upset that not many defended him when he was criticised by netizens over his statement on wild boars crossing the Straits of Malacca in September last year, ” he said.

During the press conference, Ab Rauf declared that they had 17 assemblymen on their side, including Muhammad Jailani and Norhizam.

“We are the new state government now, ” he said, adding that the new Chief Minister would be announced soon.

The three aspirants are Lendu assemblyman Datuk Sulaiman Md Ali, Mohd Rafiq and ex-chief minister Datuk Seri Idris Haron.

Earlier, outgoing Chief Minister Adly Zahari apologised to the people for not being able to keep the state intact.

Adly, in his Facebook posting, said he had done his best for Melaka but was unable to retain the Pakatan state government due to “traitors”.

“I will not bow to any acts of treachery, ” he said in his post.

Adly said if given a chance, Pakatan would make a strong comeback in the next general election.

He ended with a message: “I love you all (Melakans)”.