KLANG: Selangor Bersatu gears up to welcome new members into the party, with some of these newcomers expected to contest in the upcoming state elections. Sources from Perikatan Nasional revealed that a group consisting of individuals who lost in the last Umno party election will be joining Bersatu in the near future. “There are already a few Umno division leaders coming to Bersatu in addition to those who lost in the party polls,” the source stated. Bersatu aims to field strong candidates in the state polls, including well-known figures who have support from grassroots voters. The source from Perikatan confidently stated that with the right candidates, they can make significant gains in Selangor and potentially take control of the state government from Pakatan Harapan.
While Selangor’s incumbent assemblymen are busy strategizing for the upcoming polls, three elected representatives who made a promising start after the 2018 elections are facing an uncertain political future. The trio consists of former Bersatu members – Mohd Shaid Rosli, Sallehudin Amiruddin, and Harumaini Omar – who left the party shortly before the Sheraton Move in 2020. Mohd Shaid and Sallehudin currently hold the positions of Jeram and Kuang assemblymen, respectively, while Harumaini was previously the Batang Kali assemblyman until he was removed from the state legislative assembly due to alleged absenteeism in February. Mohd Shaid and Harumaini subsequently joined Pejuang in solidarity with former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, while Sallehudin remained independent until he joined Amanah in December.
When contacted, Mohd Shaid expressed uncertainty about defending his seat. Even if he decides to do so, he clarified that it will not be under the Pejuang banner. “Although I am still a Pejuang member, I have decided not to represent any political party,” Mohd Shaid stated. “Currently, I am with Tun Dr Mahathir in pursuing the Malay Proclamation initiative, and if I can contest under this banner for Perikatan, it would be good.” Despite political uncertainty, Mohd Shaid affirmed that he has no regrets leaving Bersatu and joining Pejuang, emphasizing their belief that initiating the Sheraton Move to topple the government was wrong.
According to Mohd Shaid, it is undeniable that Perikatan was the preferred choice for many rural voters, including those in his constituency of Jeram. “However, it is because PAS and Bersatu are coming together as a team to represent the Malays,” he explained. “I do not think they would be readily accepted if they were individual parties without the Perikatan banner.”
Meanwhile, Sallehudin stated that he is prepared to defend his seat if given the opportunity by Amanah leadership. However, there is speculation that Umno may also have an interest in the Kuang seat. “So, I genuinely do not know how things will unfold, but I am ready if the party leaders are willing to give me a chance,” Sallehudin expressed.
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