KANGAR: A state assemblyman, whose PAS membership was revoked, claims to have been courted by other political parties.
Bintong assemblyman Fakhrul Anwar Ismail (pic) said the offers came after PAS decided to revoke his party membership with immediate effect following news that he was among eight representatives who had withdrawn their support for the Perlis mentri besar.
“I have received ‘cheeky’ offers from various parties. I was also offered the chance to stand as a candidate,” Sinar Harian quoted him as saying.
However, Fakhrul Anwar insisted that PAS remains close to his heart, having been involved with the party for years.
“I still cherish PAS’ struggle. I have been involved with the party since I was young, not just for a day or two,” he said.
He described himself as someone who had started out “with nothing” but eventually became an assemblyman.
“It must be stated that we are in this party not because of any ‘individual’,” he explained.
Fakhrul Anwar was one of three PAS assemblymen whose membership was terminated after they signed statutory declarations (SDs) to retract their support for Mohd Shukri Ramli, the mentri besar from PAS who subsequently quit the post last Thursday, citing health reasons.
Besides the three PAS representatives, five other assemblymen from Bersatu had also signed the SDs.
The sole opposition assemblyman, who is from PKR, is also reported to have submitted a SD.
Fakhrul Anwar said he is prepared to submit an appeal to the party within the stipulated period.
“An appeal on membership, yes, that is indeed a right granted by the party. We will submit an appeal, but it will not be done immediately.
“What is certain is that the appeal is an individual’s right. Whether it is approved or otherwise, it depends on the party leadership. We will make use of the opportunity available,” he said.
He said there is a possibility that two of his counterparts may likewise submit appeals to the party regarding their membership status.
