Bersatu eastern front 'general' not deserting, won't back PM

In the east coast state of Kelantan, Bersatu has a “general” in the form of Ketereh MP Khlir Mohd Nor, who refuses to pledge support for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

The former military officer stressed he is loyal to the party headed by Muhyiddin Yassin, who became prime minister for 17 months in 2020 through defections and is now accusing political rivals of attempting to turn over his lawmakers.

“No,” Khlir told Malaysiakini when asked if he had met “political brokers” regarding this issue.

“Furthermore, I am a general, who will have the courage to see me?” he added.

However, the Bersatu MP said speculations about his position could have arisen due to his character as a straight shooter.

“My character (leads to the assumption that I support the prime minister). I am honest, straightforward and always speak the truth. That is all,” he added.

Khlir (above), who won the Ketereh seat with more than 20,000 votes, said those who claimed that he would support Anwar had “picked the wrong person”.

“From before, many said so. But the reality is otherwise. They picked the wrong person. My allegiance will forever be with the party (Bersatu),” he added.

Remain steadfast

Similarly, Rompin MP Abdul Khalib Abdullah also made it clear that he would not turn his back on Bersatu.

Khalib said he would remain steadfast with the Perikatan Nasional coalition, which comprises PAS, Gerakan and SAPP, unless ordered otherwise by the party leadership.

“I am clarifying my stand. I was chosen by the PN leadership to contest in Rompin. I will remain with PN and will not support (Anwar),” he added in a video posted on Facebook.

Khalib also urged his comrades in PN not to be seduced by offers from certain quarters and to remain committed to the coalition.

“Insya-Allah, we will be able to take care of our constituencies,” he added.

So far, four Bersatu MPs - Zahari Kechik (Jeli), Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid (Kuala Kangsar), Suhaili Abdul Rahman (Labuan) and Mohd Azizi Abu Naim (Gua Musang) - have pledged their support for Anwar.

Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said more are expected to follow.

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