Jamal Abdillah withdraws from Muafakat Nasional

PETALING JAYA: Singer Datuk Jamal Abdillah says he will not join Muafakat Nasional (MN) owing to certain aspects that he finds incompatible.

Jamal, dubbed Malaysia's King of Pop, expressed a desire to remain politically neutral.

"I humbly wish to withdraw. Politics is not in line with my principles as an entertainer.

“Politics is not compatible with my principles as an entertainer who wants to have mass appeal. This includes fans from different political parties," he was quoted as saying by Berita Harian on Saturday (Dec 17).

Jamal also shared that his family, friends and fans had requested that he withdraw from MN.

“I also think it's better to be neutral. If you want to express your views, let it be in your own way," he said.

The 63-year-old singer also thanked MN for offering him the opportunity to join the non-governmental organisation (NGO) in an effort to fight for the country's prosperity.

He was recently appointed as one of MN's 30 supreme council members.

"I would like to thank those who invited me to join MN and believed in me.

“Indeed, as a father and head of a family, there is nothing else I want for my beloved country but a peaceful, united and prosperous country," he said.

Aside from Jamal, other artistes in the committee included actor-director Datuk Seri Eizlan Yusof and actress Ummi Nazeera.

On Thursday (Dec 15), MN president Tan Sri Annuar Musa announced that the body is a non-governmental organisation and not a political party.

He also announced the appointments of Jamal, Ummi Nazeera and others.