KLANG: He was once a key figure in Bersatu, but today Selat Kelang assemblyman Datuk Abdul Rashid Asari stands estranged from the party that he helped build.
"I spent my money, energy and time setting-up Bersatu Selangor and gave the party nine years of unwavering loyalty and service," said the former Selangor Bersatu chief.
Last week, Abdul Rashid had pledged his support for Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari which shocked many as he was once a pivotal member of Bersatu.
Abdul Rashid, who was also a party vice-president during his peak years with Bersatu, said he would have walked out of the party without a second thought if the anti-hopping law was not in place.
"What to do? If people on this side don’t like you any more, the only thing left to do is to move to the other side," he added.
He said the party had pushed him very hard and slammed him against the wall.
"It is now time for me to retaliate," said Abdul Rashid, adding that the party dynamics began to change when a new set of members flowed into the party after the 14th general election.
He added his role as the Selangor chief was disrespected and tossed aside during the 15th general election as none of the candidates he had suggested were given an opportunity to contest.
Abdul Rashid said his biggest peeve was that the Selat Klang seat was given to PAS even though he had wanted it for potential Selangor Bersatu candidates.
"It is an easy seat to win and once given to PAS, the party is going to hold on to the seat for a long time," said Abdul Rashid.
He said Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin had texted him asking about the matter but he had nor replied to the messages.
"I just do not want to create a bigger issue and so I have not responded," said Abdul Rashid.
