KUALA LUMPUR: Former Cheras Umno division chief, Datuk Seri Syed Ali Al-Habshee is still considering the direction of his political career after resigning from the party one-and-a-half months ago.
The former Federal Territorities Umno secretary said he has yet to apply to join any other political party, including Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu).
"I have yet to apply to join any party. I have not thought about joining any party. I would not want anything of that sort to happen,” said Syed Ali, while explaining that he did not want his application to any other party to be rejected.
He was speaking to reporters after the presentation of certificates under the Cheras parliamentary constituency-level Community Development Department (Kemas) kindergatens, which was launched by Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Rina Harun today.
Asked if he had been given an offer to join any political party, Syed Ali said he has not received any offer thus far.
“Many people want to (join Pakatan Harapan). Let them be. I used to be a vocal leader in Umno, so maybe some people will not be comfortable with me.
“Let us wait and see on which (party) will accept me. If they do not want (to accept me), I will focus on doing charity work.
“Whoever wishes to speak to me (on offers), I will consider it. For now, I will do my work,” he said.
When asked about his apparent friendliness with Rina, who is Srikandi Bersatu or women’s wing chief, Syed Ali said: "That’s just something normal as I am close with everyone. I work for the rakyat.”
He said he would not sulk despite not being a member of any party. He said he wanted to take a break, while concentrating on his work in the Cheras Education Foundation in which he is chairman.
Syed Ali grabbed headlines when he announced his decision to quit Umno during a closed-door meeting of the Cheras Umno division committee on Sept 24.
He had said that the decision, which came after he had served the party for more than 40 years, was made to preserve the continuity and interests of the Malays in the Federal Territory.