PN Batang Kali candidate calls Bersatu members to unite

STATE POLLS | Facing an internal revolt over his nomination for the Batang Kali seat, Perikatan Nasional's (PN) Muhammad Muhaimin Harith called on his Bersatu compatriots to unite and place party interest above all.

Speaking to Malaysiakini, the Hulu Selangor Bersatu member acknowledged that there has been an internal struggle within the division since he was touted as the PN candidate for the Selangor state seat.

"As party members, we must respect our party flag and logo because the party's strategy and objectives should come first, not one's personal interests.

"We should not place our own self-interest above the party and be upset when we don't get what we want. We must not be emotional.

"But I am confident that maybe they will come together eventually and support us, insha-Allah," he said.

Muhaimin was asked to comment on the Hulu Selangor Bersatu division rejecting PN's decision to nominate him as their candidate for Batang Kali.

The pushback began last week after speculations arose that Muhaimin will be fielded instead of division chief Md Anuar Mohd Nor.

It also saw some party members resorting to burning PN flags and posting the photos on Facebook as a sign of protest.

It also saw Muhaimin sacked from the division’s leadership committee on July 21.

The division also publicly announced that it would back its deputy chief Khairul Azhari Saut to contest Batang Kali instead of Muhaimin.

During the nomination process in Kuala Kubu Bharu this morning, only a small group of Hulu Selangor Bersatu leaders and members were present to show their support for Muhaimin.

On whether the apparent boycott would affect PN's campaign for Batang Kali, Muhaimin believes his team could manage it with the help of allies from PAS and Gerakan.

"Insya-Allah we won't be affected. And we also have our way of solving this problem with the help of our friends.

"I believe that the top leadership has also informed them to carry out orders from the party," he said.

Meanwhile, Hulu Selangor Bersatu permanent chairperson Ismail Md Nor when met by Malaysiakini denied that the division is boycotting Muhaimin.

While he admitted that some division leaders could not accept his nomination, there are others who still follow party orders.

"He (Muhaimin) was an appointed division committee member, and since they want to sack him, it is up to them (division leadership).

"But Muhaimin is still a party member, and since the top leadership has chosen him, we have to obey the party," he said.

Ismail added that division leaders who rejected Muhaimin are still welcome to rejoin their campaign for Batang Kali, including Anuar whom he said is really needed now more than ever.

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