10 more to switch support, claims Bersatu MP

PETALING JAYA: At least 10 more Bersatu MPs are expected to declare their support for the Prime Minister when Parliament reconvenes next month, claims one of the party’s renegade MPs.

Bukit Gantang MP Datuk Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal, who expressed his backing for Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Nov 28 last year, said the 10 would comprise five from the northern states, three from the east coast, and one each from Selangor and Melaka.

“It will be soon. Perhaps once the Dewan Rakyat convenes on Feb 26,” he told a press conference aired live on social media yesterday.

On Wednesday, Tanjong Karang MP Datuk Dr Zulkafperi Hanapi became the sixth Bersatu MP to declare support for Anwar.

The others were Zahari Kechik (Jeli), Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid (Kuala Kangsar), Suhaili Abdul Rahman (Labuan) and Mohd Azizi Abu Naim (Gua Musang).

Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz said Bersatu had “lost its direction”, with many of its MPs feeling frustrated with party president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and the top leadership.

He slammed Muhyiddin for making a “U-turn” in not giving up the presidency during the party’s annual congress, saying this had demoralised members who wanted to see change.

“To make things worse, Muhyiddin said he changed his mind after getting advice from his wife.

“Perikatan Nasional MPs, especially those from Bersatu, are very disappointed and feel that the party does not value or care for them,” said Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz.

On Nov 25 last year, Muhyiddin, who is the Pagoh MP, announced that he would not defend his party presidency, only to reverse his decision the next day.

Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz also said financial pressure remained a major problem for the MPs.

“If the party does not focus on the matter, who else will?

“I was labelled a traitor and called other names, but what can we do? Only attend Parliament, but when we go back to our constituencies, we cannot help them?” he said.

He added that many Bersatu MPs relied on the PAS-led states to get funding but “help is limited due to our varying stand”.

Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz appealed to the five he termed as Bersatu’s “high profile” MPs – Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin (Larut), Datuk Seri Ronald Kiandee (Beluran), Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin (Masjid Tanah), Datuk Seri Ikmal Hisham Abdul Aziz (Tanah Merah), and Datuk Rosol Wahid (Hulu Terengganu) – to also join in and express their support for Anwar.

“I urge the Bersatu MPs not to think too long to help their constituents and to be together with the government and PMX.

“I hope they can all do it as a group so the backing will be firm and solid for PMX,” said Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz, referring to Anwar’s popular nickname as the 10th prime minister.