MUAR: The presence of a Melaka Umno assemblyman at a Perikatan Nasional event in Muar has raised concerns. Datuk Muhammad Jailani Khamis, the representative for Rembia, attended the Perikatan machinery launch for the Simpang Jeram by-election on Wednesday night. He clarified that he was present at the event on behalf of Muafakat Nasional, an NGO led by Tan Sri Annuar Musa. He emphasized that both Muafakat Nasional and Perikatan share the belief in the unity of the ummah and do not consider other political parties as enemies.
When asked if his presence indicated a potential departure from Umno, Jailani stated that it should not be interpreted as such. He further explained that the intention behind their unity is to provide a platform for Malay parties to come together and be united, which can be achieved through Muafakat Nasional as an NGO if not through PAS, Umno, and Bersatu.
The presence of Muhammad Jailani, a former Melaka exco member, at the event was acknowledged by PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan. Takiyuddin expressed his surprise and welcomed Jailani, referring to him as his friend from Melaka. Muhammad Jailani won the Rembia seat in 2018 under PKR but later left the party in 2020 to become an independent politician. He eventually joined Umno in 2021 and successfully retained his seat in the November 2021 state election.
During his tenure as an assemblyman, Muhammad Jailani also served as the tourism, heritage, and culture committee chairman from 2021 until March of this year.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
