KUALA LUMPUR: The possible formation of a new government which involves Umno has left Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) supreme council member Dr Maszlee Malik going about with a “heavy heart.”
The former Education Minister took to Twitter to explain the reason why he shifted his support from Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin to Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad for the prime minister candidate.
In a series of tweets, he said before deciding to change his support, he had consulted those close to him and performed ‘solat istikarah’ (an Islamic prayer to seek guidance from Allah).
He then decided that his support changed at 4pm yesterday.
“Many had questioned where my loyalty lies. I admit, I stand loyal towards the party’s discipline and was with the (party) president (Muhyiddin) until he left and came back from Istana yesterday.
“I tried to be a party-man, someone who stood firm with the party as I was often told by top leaders that I don’t know how to be a team player, that I don’t know politics,” he said.
Maszlee explained that after “being” with Muhyiddin in these recent days and seeing Umno leaders getting involved in matters related to the formation of a new government, it had left him with a heavy heart.
“There are those who are still surrounded with bribery and embezzlement issues including those (who were previously) in the Education Ministry, which I tried to ‘clean up the mess they had left.’
"I asked myself if I am ready to accept them again and allow them to be leaders of this country after they had been rejected by the people, and some of them are still facing the process of justice?" the tweet read.
The Simpang Renggam member of parliament (MP) said he received messages from supporters at his constituency to remind him that he was voted to be their representative and not to betray their trust.
“At last by 4pm yesterday (Saturday), I was determined to change my decision. I admit that I love and support Tan Sri President (Muhyiddin) from the start, even though it was resolved that he was chosen as the party’s Prime Minister candidate.
“But I cannot (support Muhyiddin) to the extent of disappointing the voters who had put me and the rest of us here in the first place. These voters had elected us during the 14th General Election over the kleptocratic regime of Umno-Barisan Nasional.
“And when things get complicated, I have to choose between loyalty and principles. Thus, I have made an important and big decision to return to the will of my supporters, friends, fellow comrades, voters and family,” said Maszlee.
He added that he apologised for his actions and expressed thanks to those who advised him.
Last night, Maszlee with five other Bersatu MPs had announced support for Dr Mahathir as the PH prime minister candidate.
They were claimed to have simple majority support.
Earlier today (Sunday), Muhyiddin was sworn-in as the country’s eighth prime minister at Istana Negara, after gaining support from Umno-Barisan Nasional and Pas MPs.
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