It's his right to leave, Wan Fayhsal says over Bersatu leader's exit

Summary

• Bersatu supreme council member Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal says it is Mahathir Mohd Rais’ right to leave Bersatu and Perikatan Nasional.

• Wan Fayhsal also dismisses notions that more will leave over sentiments seemingly in favour of former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak.

Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal said it is Mahathir Mohd Rais’ right to resign from Bersatu and Perikatan Nasional.

“We shall respect his decision,” the Bersatu supreme council member told Malaysiakini.

He also dismissed notions that more will leave over sentiments seemingly in favour of former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak.

Earlier today, Mahathir announced his immediate resignation in a letter addressed to Bersatu and PN Federal Territories chief Mohd Radzi Md Jidin.

Mahathir did not give any explanations for his resignation but he had previously criticised coalition member party PAS rallying in support of Najib, calling the opposition's involvement “disheartening” and reeking of “political opportunism”.

Before that, Umno and PAS agreed to stand together in a solidarity rally for Najib on Jan 6 at the Court of Appeal in Putrajaya.

Umno later backed out, but PAS continued as planned, mobilising its members and supporters for the rally. Several Umno leaders also showed up regardless of the party’s order.

On Thursday, Wan Fayhsal, who was also at the rally, said his party had no issues with PAS’ aggressive defence of Najib.

He said PN leaders participated in the gathering because the royal addendum Najib was fighting to enforce was a matter of public interest.

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