MELAKA: A total of 150 members of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) in Hang Tuah Jaya have announced their departure from the party, three days before polling in the Melaka election.
Former Bersatu Hang Tuah Jaya deputy division chief Md Firdaus Mashor said the decision was made collectively following discussions and agreement among the leadership and members.
The departure takes effect immediately today. Firdaus also resigned as Bersatu Melaka information secretary.
He said the group had also decided to vote for Barisan Nasional (BN) candidates in the state election and the next general election.
Speaking at a press conference at the Umno Hang Tuah Jaya division office in Bukit Katil today, Firdaus said one of the factors behind their decision was the Rumah Bangsa initiative introduced by Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
“We see this initiative as an inclusive approach that creates an opportunity to reunite Malays and Muslims who were previously divided by political differences, based on mutual understanding, respect and common interests,” he said.
He said they had also considered the need for political stability, mature leadership and an administration focused on development and public welfare.
The group viewed Umno and BN as a more suitable platform for them to continue serving the public, particularly in the Hang Tuah Jaya parliamentary constituency.
Among those leaving Bersatu were several members of its Hang Tuah Jaya division committee, as well as leaders and members from several branches, including Padang Jambu, Batu Hampar, Pasir Puteh, Paya Dalam, Bukit Baru Dalam and Kandang.
They are voters in the Hang Tuah Jaya parliamentary constituency, particularly in the Pengkalan Batu and Ayer Molek state constituencies.
The announcement comes three days before polling day for the 16th Melaka election on Nov 14, with campaigning entering its final stretch.
Also present at the press conference were Hang Tuah Jaya Umno deputy division chief Datuk Hasnoor Sidang Hussin and Perikatan Nasional Bukit Katil candidate Muhammad Ridzuan Mohd Sarif.