Taman Medan assemblyman Dr Afif now a Bersatu supreme council member

PETALING JAYA: Taman Medan assemblyman Dr Afif Bahardin has been appointed a member of Bersatu's supreme council by party president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

In a statement on Thursday (Feb 1), Dr Afif said he would prioritise the people's welfare while helping to maintain the party's direction in its struggle.

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"I will help develop policies that secure the future of the country's youth.

"Bersatu, as part of Perikatan Nasional, will continue to... represent and fight for bumiputras and Malaysians as a whole (regardless of) race and religion," he added.

The former Seberang Jaya assemblyman and Penang exco member said with these goals in mind, he would reach out to young professionals and undergraduates.

"I will explain the principles of the party's struggles and introduce them to the young leaders in Bersatu," he said.

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Dr Afif also criticised Labuan MP Datuk Dr Suhaili Abdul Rahman for challenging the party to sack him after he declared support for the unity government.

"(The party instead challenges) Dr Suhaili to vacate the seat as we have many more capable leaders to represent and take care of the people of Labuan (despite) pressure and intimidation from the administration.

"We will find ways and means within the legal framework and politics to ensure the Labuan parliamentary seat and the other seats of Kuala Kangsar, Bukit Gantang, Gua Musang, Tanah Merah and Tanjung Karang are vacated as provided for under the anti-hopping law to pave the way for by-elections in the near future," Dr Afif added.

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The elected representatives in the six seats have all pledged support for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's administration.

Dr Afif, who left PKR in 2020 to join Bersatu, was one of four Penang assemblymen dropped in March last year under state anti-hopping law after a lengthy court battle.

He was then fielded in the Selangor state polls in August.