MELAKA: Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) vice-president Datuk Mohd Rafiq Naizamohideen has announced his resignation from the party.
Rafiq said he decided to leave Bersatu after he was not chosen by the Perikatan Nasional (PN) leadership to contest in the Tangga Batu parliamentary constituency despite providing services to the people at the area since 2016.
He was instead offered other seats including Bagan Datuk for the 15th General Election (GE15).
"Few days ago, I received a call from Bersatu president (Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin) and his deputy (Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu).
"They told me that my name was not nominated in Tangga Batu. They instead offered me alternative seat including Bagan Datuk, whose incumbent is the Umno president (Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi) and widely speculated to defend the seat in GE15.
"I am sad since all of my efforts and services meant for the constituents in Tangga Batu for more than six years was not given fair and appropriate consideration (by the PN top leadership)," he was quoted by Bernama.
Rafiq said it has been a practise and tradition adopted by any political party to give priority to top leaders in the party such the vice-president when considering the line-up of candidates for the election.
Rafiq said he has tendered his letter of resignations as the Bersatu vice-president, Tangga Batu PN chairman, Tangga Batu Bersatu division chief and Cheng Bersatu branch chief to Muhyiddin few days ago.
Asked on his next course of action, Rafiq said he wanted to take a rest from politics and focus on his family.
He also said he will not be contesting in GE15 either as independent candidate or candidate representing other political parties.
"I will continue to provide my service to the people in Tangga Batu without any political platform.
"However, I may work together with non-governmental organisations for the people here," he said. — BERNAMA