Whither manners, Bersatu Youth leader asks delegates who heckled Muhyiddin

Summary

• Bersatu division leader Ashraf Mustaqim Badrul Munir says he tried to defuse tensions after some members disrupted Muhyiddin Yassin’s policy speech as they were unhappy with the party president’s remarks.

• Bersatu Youth information chief Harris Idaham Rashid wants police to investigate the commotion, whether it was staged or if it had happened naturally.

A Bersatu division leader has questioned a lack of decorum by a small group of members who last night triggered a ruckus during party president Muhyiddin Yassin’s policy speech.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of Bersatu’s 8th annual general meeting, held at Ideal Convention Centre, Shah Alam, Jerlun division chief Ashraf Mustaqim Badrul Munir also clarified that he had attempted to defuse the tension which was sparked by unhappiness towards Muhyiddin’s remarks.

“There is no problem with speaking out. The problem is that we Malays have manners, customs, and traditions.

“For those who disagree, there are plenty of avenues to speak up - at the division level and so on. But that didn’t happen, perhaps.

“No steps were taken beforehand, but suddenly to speak out during the big meeting, while the president is speaking in front, I feel that is an improper act,” said the Kota Siputeh assemblyperson.

Last night, a commotion broke out when Muhyiddin sought to address an alleged attempt to collect signatures in a bid to unseat him.

It is understood that a delegate had shouted “Not true!” in response to Muhyiddin’s remarks during his policy speech, triggering cries of support and subsequent attempts to counter with louder shouts of “Hidup Tan Sri!” (Live Muhyiddin).

‘Be patient’

Recounting the incident, Ashraf said he was initially seated but eventually climbed on top of a chair to assist members who formed the Bersatu Youth “Armada Brigade” security personnel.

“They were told to be patient, but then suddenly they again lost their cool… the Armada Brigade personnel came to pull them apart, and that’s when the commotion broke out.

“At that moment I thought, ‘this can’t go on’. So psychologically, to get people’s attention, I climbed up on a chair and shouted, ‘Hey, listen! Quiet! Be patient!’

“I had to climb up on the chair! Told everyone to be quiet, show respect, ‘Think! Use your brains a little…,” he recounted.

‘Police must investigate’

Separately, Bersatu Youth information chief Harris Idaham Rashid said his wing had lodged both an internal disciplinary report and a police report regarding the incident.

“We want the police to investigate yesterday’s incident.

“We want to find out whether it was staged or happened naturally, and most importantly, to have a proper report and ensure the safety of brigade members who were also threatened.

“There was physical contact. I am proud of the way the brigade handled the situation,” he added.

The Balik Pulau Bersatu division chief also revealed that the party’s permanent chairperson, Langkawi MP Suhaimi Abdullah, earlier today met with “several individuals” said to be responsible for the commotion, and they had apologised.

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