Amanah defector chooses Bersatu because of 'Muhyiddin's resolve'

Titi Serong assemblyperson Hasnul Zulkarnain Abd Munaim said he chose to join Bersatu because of Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin's beliefs.

"I chose to be with Bersatu in the interest of collaboration between Malay-Muslim parties.

"(In addition,) Muhyiddin is resolute in bringing a new political culture that stresses accountability and service directly to the people," he told Malaysiakini shortly after receiving his membership card from Muhyiddin in Parliament today.

On March 9, Hasnul left Amanah and pledged allegiance to the Perikatan Nasional coalition. Prior to his departure, he was the Amanah youth wing head.

Hasnul said his entry into Bersatu took effect from June 3.

As a member of the ruling coalition - both in Perak and at the national level - Hasnul said he would be in a better position to help his constituency, which was underdeveloped.

"Yes, the need for development allocations and aid for the people among the factors that drove me to Bersatu.

"The Titi Serong constituency was represented by the opposition between 2008 and 2018. It was left out in terms of physical development and aid for the poor," he said.

With Hasnul's entry into Bersatu, the party now has four seats in the 59-seat state assembly.

Other parties in the government bloc are Umno (24 seats), PAS (three), Gerakan (one) and one independent.

One seat - Slim - is currently vacant. A by-election for this seat will be held on Aug 29 and Umno is expected to retain it.

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