PUTRAJAYA – Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has denied claims of Selangor Bersatu being under the influence of a “cartel”, as alleged by the latest defector, Selat Klang assemblyman Datuk Abdul Rashid Asari.
Responding to Rashid’s assertions, Muhyiddin, who is also Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman, accused Rashid of issuing “excuses” to justify his decision to support Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari’s leadership.
If such a cartel does exist, Muhyiddin claimed Rashid would be part of it as he is the Selangor Bersatu deputy chief.
“There is no cartel. Bersatu is a party that operates on a constitutional basis with rules in place,” Muhyiddin told a press conference after meeting with the Registrar of Societies at the Home Ministry’s complex, here, today.
“(Rashid) is the deputy chief of the party’s state leadership. If there is a cartel, then he is also involved.
“Don’t try to look for an excuse when you’ve made a mistake. Accusing the party (of misdeeds) is an irresponsible move.”
Earlier today, Rashid reportedly claimed the presence of a “cartel” in Selangor Bersatu led by an individual who recently joined the party was one of the reasons why he decided to switch his support to Amirudin.
Rashid alleged that a large number of his recommended candidates for the previous state poll last year were rejected as the “cartel” wanted to bring in their own people as candidates.
This, he said, resulted in “parachute candidates” who stood for the state election after only having joined the party recently and only managed to win with slim majorities.
Last Wednesday, Rashid announced his backing of Amirudin’s leadership, claiming that the move was a result of PN’s silence against the accusations thrown at the Malay rulers.
He also cited the well-being of his constituents, who will stand to benefit from a stable state government. – March 11, 2024