PETALING JAYA: Parti Amanah Negara deputy president Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub has thanked the three former Johor Amanah assemblymen for their contributions to the party.
The trio recently left the party and joined PKR, its coalition partner within Pakatan Harapan.
In a statement on Sunday (Feb 28), Salahuddin said several efforts have been taken by the president and himself to approach the three of them to stay.
“Coffee sessions and closed meetings were held by us. Even I had met them privately and gave them my views as a fellow comrade.
“However, in the end, they chose their future interest. That is within their rights and I respect it, ” he said.
Johor Amanah assemblymen Khairuddin A Rahim, Dr Faizul Amri Adnan (Serom) and Muhamad Said Jonit (Mahkota) recently left the party to join PKR.
According to party sources, it is believed that the trio had left due to internal fighting and were dissatisfied that some Amanah leaders were seen to be friendly to former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
“I pray the best for the three of them in ‘sailing in a new ship’ and hope that our relationship will remain.
“Trust me, there are no permanent friends and enemies in politics.
“That is the custom and tradition in politics, ” said Salahuddin.
Amanah Youth leaders and divisions have criticised PKR for accepting the defectors, calling the party hypocritical and making a mockery of democracy.
Others have called on the party leadership to review cooperation with PKR and its position within Pakatan.
