Zuraida S Departure Weakens Bersatu Says Ahmad Maslan

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Umno secretary general Datuk Ahmad Maslan says Datuk Zuraida Kamaruddin’s decision to quit Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) has weakened the Perikatan Nasional (PN) component party. - NSTP file picPONTIAN: The decision by Plantations and Primary Commodities Minister Datuk Zuraida Kamaruddin to quit Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) has weakened the Perikatan Nasional (PN) component party.
Umno secretary general Datuk Ahmad Maslan said there are several interpretations that can be drawn from Zuraida's move.
"One is that Bersatu is becoming weaker. If the party is becoming stronger, then why would a minister leave the party.
"Secondly, this shows that the tabling of the anti-party hopping law can't be delayed any longer. If the law was tabled during the special proceeding of the Parliament (in April), I don't think this would have happened.
"We can't delay this any longer. Hopefully, even if there is no special proceeding, the law will be tabled during the next Parliament proceeding in July," said Ahmad, who is Pontian member of parliament.
He was speaking to the media after attending the Pontian Umno Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration at Dewan Jubli Intan Sultan Ibrahim here. Also present was Pontian Umno chief and Johor Umno liaison chief Datuk Hasni Mohammad.
On Thursday, Zuraida, who is Ampang MP, announced that she was leaving Bersatu to join Parti Bangsa Malaysia.
Ahmad also said that Bersatu should not pressure the prime minister into replacing Zuraida with another MP from the party.
"Any changes or reshuffle in the Cabinet is the prerogative of the PM, not according to a quota announced by a party president. When a party has become weaker, it is inappropriate for them to make demands," said Ahmad.
He also refuted a claim by Bersatu information chief Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan who blamed Umno's internal power tussle for delaying the tabling of the anti-party hopping law.
"It (the delay) has nothing to do with us. It is the opposition who do not agree to several terms of the bill.
"We have stated that we have agreed to the bill. It is the other side (the opposition) who do not agree to it, which is why they asked for a postponement," said Ahmad.
It was reported that Wan Saiful took a dig at the internal power tussle in Umno for derailing the tabling of anti-party hopping bill in the Dewan Rakyat.
Wan Saiful also claimed that the instability in Umno was dragging the tabling of other bills, including limiting the prime minister's term as well as other initiatives meant to strengthening the country's institution. - NST

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