MELAKA: An expelled Melaka Bersatu leader has questioned the party's strength in the state after an "imported" leader was brought in.
Dr Mohd Yadzil Yaakub said Datuk Dr Mohd Radzi Md Jidin's appointment as the new Melaka Bersatu chief reflected a lack of credible local leaders to helm the state chapter.
"Why 'import' an outsider to lead the party when the central leadership claims it still has support and that Bersatu is not 'dead' in Melaka?" he told The Star on Wednesday (Feb 25).
ALSO READ: Abdul Rahim steps down as Melaka Bersatu chief, five divisions in state dissolved
Dr Yadzil, who was expelled from the party on Feb 13, said the party should have appointed someone who understands the intricacies of Melaka politics and is familiar with its grassroots members and machinery.
This is especially crucial with the state election expected at the end of the year, he added.
The Bemban assemblyman said the central leadership has repeatedly maintained that Bersatu remains strong in the state despite a wave of resignations involving leaders and members.
"When you bring in an outsider, it creates constraints and may worsen the internal crisis.
"It will make it difficult for the party to defend the Bemban and Sungai Udang state seats that Perikatan Nasional won in 2021," he said.
On Tuesday (Feb 24), Tan Sri Abdul Rahim Thamby Chik announced that he was stepping down as Melaka Bersatu chief and that five out of six divisions in the state had been dissolved: Masjid Tanah, Hang Tuah Jaya, Tangga Batu, Alor Gajah and Jasin.
Kota Melaka is the only division unaffected.
The move effectively paralysed the party’s state structure.
ALSO READ: Radzi Jidin is Melaka Bersatu's new chief
Party secretary-general Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali issued a statement on Wednesday announcing Radzi’s appointment.
According to the statement, Radzi possesses the experience and leadership qualities needed to rebuild strength among new leaders committed to the party’s ideals.
Radzi, who is the Member of Parliament for Putrajaya, previously served as senior minister overseeing the education and social cluster as well as education minister from 2020 to 2022.
The statement added that his immediate task would be to restructure the leadership of Bersatu divisions across Melaka, involving local leaders including youths and professionals, in preparation for the coming state polls.
