Bersatu man tells party to learn from Indonesia, champion people's needs first

With Bersatu holding its eighth annual general meeting (AGM) this weekend, a party leader has urged members to learn lessons from the protests in Indonesia and prioritise people-centric policies.

“To Bersatu leaders, I remind you to prioritise the people’s welfare, not personal ambitions.

“This is to ensure our party is respected and not become like what is happening in Indonesia right now,” Pengerang Bersatu division chief Faizal Asmar said in a statement today.

Massive protests began in Indonesia after its leaders mulled a proposal to increase the monthly housing allowance of 50 million rupiah (RM12,000) for parliamentarians.

Public uproar escalated after a 21-year-old motorcycle taxi driver was run over and killed by an armoured police vehicle as security authorities tried to contain student protests.

As of yesterday, an Indonesian rights group, Kontras, reported that at least 20 people are missing after the demonstrations.

People reject disconnected leaders

Touching on the party AGM, scheduled from Sept 6 to 7, Faizal said if party delegates continue to submit motions involving vested interests, certain quarters could use it to argue that party leaders are growing disconnected from the people.

“Learn from Indonesia. If political leaders fail to understand the grassroots’ needs, such leaders will be rejected by the people.

“So, don’t put Bersatu in that position,” he said in a statement today.

Faizal also expressed concern that certain individuals would attempt to divert party member’s attention in the upcoming AGM by harping on alleged power grab bids.

The Bersatu leader stressed there was no such problem in the party, claiming it was being hyped by people with vested interests.

For example, Faizal cited an attempt by a certain wing and a central leadership member to nominate Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin as the next prime ministerial candidate.

“Though it is a good idea, this is not the time to talk about positions.

“The issue involving the prime ministerial candidate must be addressed by Perikatan Nasional, nearing the 16th general election.

“Right now, we must debate motions on policies we wish to implement if we take over the government in the future. Focus on the people’s needs,” he added.

Poison pen letter

Faizal pointed out that political leaders need to be sensitive to the issues affecting the rakyat.

“When political leaders are seen as too engrossed in strengthening their own positions, then the grassroots will not hesitate to reject such leaders.

“Malaysian political leaders must remember this. Don’t be so selfish that you forget the people you serve,” he added.

Recently, a poison pen letter surfaced, levelling accusations against Bersatu president Hamzah Zainudin.

According to the letter sighted by Malaysiakini, the author accused Hamzah of planning to oust Muhyiddin.

Tasek Gelugor Bersatu division chief Azmi Alang had since urged the party leadership to investigate the claims made in the letter.

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