Yadzil Accepts Rahim Thamby Chik Taking Over As Melaka Bersatu Chief

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Former Melaka chief minister Abdul Rahim Thamby Chik left Umno to join Bersatu in December 2018. (Bernama pic)
PETALING JAYA: Melaka opposition leader Dr Yadzil Yaakub says he is not upset at former Umno leader and Melaka chief minister Abdul Rahim Thamby Chik replacing him as Melaka Bersatu chief.
The Bemban assemblyman said he understood the party’s decision as Perikatan Nasional (PN) has the potential to capture Melaka at the next state election.
Yadzil also said the appointment might be a strategy by Bersatu’s leadership to distribute responsibilities in the state.
The appointments, which were made by party president Muhyiddin Yassin following the top leadership’s first meeting of the year, also saw Yadzil named to the Bersatu Supreme Council.
“I am a person who respects any decision by the party leadership. I am not upset by it,” he told FMT.
“This is a positive matter and there are lessons to be learnt from it.”
Yadzil was asked to comment on Rahim’s appointment as the Melaka Bersatu chief as announced by Bersatu secretary-general Azmin Ali yesterday.
Rahim, the Melaka chief minister from 1982 to 1994, left Umno to join Bersatu in December 2018. The Alor Gajah Bersatu chief was a former Umno vice-president.
Previously, there were suggestions from the grassroots calling for Mas Ermieyati Samsudin, who is also the Masjid Tanah MP, to be appointed to lead Melaka Bersatu.
Meanwhile, Mas Ermieyati welcomed Rahim’s appointment and said she was confident he would be supported by all the party divisions in the state.
“After his appointment was announced yesterday, there were no objections from Bersatu leaders in Melaka, including from the various divisions,” she said.
“Yadzil and I are also ready to assist him. I haven’t heard of any issues. We are confident in Rahim’s ability.”
Meanwhile, Sungai Udang assemblyman Dr Aleef Yusof said Rahim’s experience would help Bersatu capture Melaka.
Aleef said he was pleased that his proposal to make Rahim state chief was accepted by the central leadership, as in the effort to capture the state, experienced leaders are needed.
“I presented this proposal to the party leadership, especially Muhyiddin and (deputy president) Hamzah Zainudin,” he said.
“We need a leader with vast experience to capture Melaka, and Rahim’s presence will bring excellent momentum to PN.”
The state assembly’s term will end in November 2026 and an election must be held within 60 days of its dissolution. - FMT

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