MELAKA: State Bersatu Youth chief Muhammad Jefri Safri, better known as “Dak Jep”, has quit the party to join Parti Wawasan Negara (Wawasan), citing a lack of appreciation for his grassroots work and differences over its political direction ahead.
Muhammad Jefri, who previously headed the Jasin Bersatu division, said he no longer shared the party’s political direction, despite being touted as a potential candidate for the Bemban state seat.
“No one from the central leadership came to Jasin to see us and it felt as though we were not appreciated,” he said after submitting his membership application to Wawasan secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah at the Lenggang Warisan Melaka 2026 programme.
He said his decision stemmed from disappointment over what he called a lack of recognition for his efforts to keep the party active on the ground.
He said his differences with Bersatu also involved its political cooperation with other parties, saying the prospect of becoming an election candidate was not enough to convince him to stay.
On the future of the Jasin Bersatu division, he said his departure would not lead to its dissolution.
“The Jasin division will not be dissolved as the deputy division chief may take over in an acting capacity. If he wants to follow me, he can. As for me, I will be with this new party,” he said.
Meanwhile, Saifuddin welcomed his application, describing the move as a positive development for Wawasan ahead of the Melaka polls.
“This supports our efforts to increase membership and strengthen the party,” he said.
Saifuddin said Parti Wawasan Negara now has 175 divisions nationwide, with its growing membership helping to strengthen the party’s machinery ahead of the Melaka state polls.
