KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 8 — Former Federal Territory PKR treasurer Norasidi Salim, who joined Umno tonight, predicted more defections soon if the Pakatan Rakyat party fails to address problems faced by their elected representatives.
“I know many PKR members who are not satisfied with the leadership. I am not sure if they are joining Barisan Nasional (BN) or are going to be independent, but if the problems persist, if they don’t take care of their elected representatives I don’t rule out the defection of lawmakers,” Norasidi told The Malaysian Insider.
Norasidi said that the party has failed to secure financial assistance for many of its assemblymen and MPs.
“How to serve the people without financial aid, they can’t just serve with speeches,” said Norasidi.
Some PKR MPs have raised the problems of getting financial assistance, most notably Nibong Tebal MP Tan Tee Beng who complained that the party’s MPs are being sidelined by the DAP-led Penang government in resource allocations.
Norasidi joined four other former Federal Territory PKR grassroots leaders in submitting their application forms to join Umno to Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin before the start of the state Umno liaison meeting.
The defections come amid intensified infighting within PKR and the Pakatan Rakyat (PR) coalition which saw four of party MPs being referred to the disciplinary committee.
It is also a major blow to Anwar who is facing a career ending second sodomy accusation.
Norasidi, who is also the former Bandar Tun Razak Umno deputy chief, said he decided to rejoin the party that he quit in 2008 because of disappointment with Selangor Mentri Besar and Bandar Tun Razak MP Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim.
“I have no problem with Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, and my decision has nothing to do with the ongoing trial,” said Norasidi, adding that Khalid has failed to serve the Bandar Tun Razak constituents.
He added that former PKR secretary-general Datuk Sallehuddin Hashim’s decision to quit the post last month had also encouraged him to rejoin Umno.
“I know Datuk Salleh’s credibility, he is no-nonsense man, so when he lost confidence with the leadership, I believe his judgment was right,” said Norasidi.
On allegations that he was an opportunist which triggered his decision to quit PKR, Norasidi said it will not affect him.
“They can call me whatever they want, it is not important to me, what is more important is now I have joined a party that can help me contribute to the nation,” he said.
* This article is the personal opinion of the writer or publication. The blog owner does not endorse the view unless specified.
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