Johor exco member says not joining PBM, will remain with Bersatu

JOHOR BARU: A state Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia executive councillor has declined an “invitation” to join a new political party, Parti Bangsa Malaysia (PBM).

State unity, trade and consumer affairs committee chairman Dr Chong Fat Full said that he received an offer to join the party from “old friends'', but has decided to remain with Bersatu.

"Yes, I have received an offer to join the party more than two months ago.

"I have also spoken to party president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin (about the matter) but for me, there is no need to change my stand.

"I have chosen Bersatu as my platform as I see it as one that is most suitable for me. What is important for me is that I could continue to serve the people," he said.

The Pemanis assemblyman said this to reporters after checking on the price of goods in conjunction with the implementation of the Keluarga Malaysia Maximum Price Control Scheme in a supermarket at Taman Setia Tropika on Wednesday (Dec 8).

He said this when asked if he has received any invitation to join PBM.

Dr Chong joined Bersatu in August last year after being an Independent assemblyman for about six months following his exit from PKR in March 2020.

On a separate matter, Dr Chong said that in view of the Covid-19 Omicron variant, Johor has decided to stick to the Federal Government's decision to prohibit the Chingay procession.

However, he said that the state government is open to considering suggestions on standard operating procedure (SOP) from organisers who wanted to conduct small-scale celebration or hosting Chingay virtually.

"We need to be careful as we now have the Omicron variant. Any mass event that could put us at risk would be advised to be postponed.

"However, if they (organisers) want to conduct the event, then they could come out with suggestions and plans on how they want to safely organise it.

"The state government would then study and evaluate the suggestions before coming out with a decision," he said.

On Tuesday (Dec 7), National Unity Minister Datuk Halimah Mohamed Sadique told the Dewan Rakyat that the government decided to allow the Thaipusam celebrations to go on but without the silver chariot procession.

She said the prohibition on processions was also extended to the Chingay flag bearing procession.

Thaipusam will be celebrated on Jan 18, while Chingay will be celebrated on the 21st day of the Chinese Lunar New Year in February.