‘DEFECTIONS COULD BOOST PH’
It makes sense for three Amanah assemblymen to move to PKR, says analyst
THE defections of three Parti Amanah Negara state assemblymen in Johor to PKR yesterday could cause a mess within Pakatan Harapan, but the move, according to an analyst, could strengthen the opposition coalition.
National Professors Council chairman Professor Datuk Dr Shamsul Amri Baharuddin said while Amanah would be unhappy with PKR for taking in its assemblymen, PH could have a better chance in the 15th General Election.
Since Amanah does not possess strong grassroots support in the country, unlike its allies PKR and DAP, Shamsul said the three assemblymen would be able to shine better in GE15.
“In PH, only PKR and DAP have strong grassroots support and money to fund their campaigns. Amanah, on the other hand, relies heavily on PKR and DAP for both.
“It makes sense why these assemblymen
would want to go to PKR because they can get better election machinery to help them on the ground,” he told the New Straits Times.
Despite opinions that the infighting could lead to the breakup of PH, Shamsul disagreed and said it would strengthen PH.
“These assemblymen are only moving to a new room in the same house. The way I see it, this is just PH trying to make itself stronger since the rumour of an early GE15 has been flying around.
“PH needs to start preparing itself. This fiasco is not a threat to PH, but a threat to Amanah’s ability to survive and stay relevant,” he said.
It was reported on Saturday
that Amanah’s Senggarang assemblyman Khairuddin A. Rahim, Serom assemblyman Faizul Amri Adnan and Mahkota assemblyman Muhamad Said Jonit left the party to join PKR.
In response to this, Amanah deputy president Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub on Saturday night said it was inappropriate for PKR to accept the three assemblymen into its ranks.
Salahuddin’s view was echoed by Amanah Youth chief Shazni Munir Mohd Ithnin, who called on PKR not to be hypocritical when it came to the issue of party-hopping and described the situation as “prostitution”.
The bickering continued when PKR Youth secretary Syukri Razab yesterday said Salahuddin should be thankful to PKR for giving the three assemblymen an alternative.
Syukri said Salahuddin was being “extra touchy” with the situation despite the latter being close to one of PKR’s critics, Parti Pejuang Tanah Air, which is helmed by former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
Senior Fellow of the National Professors Council Professor Dr Jeniri Amir warned that should the defections continue, this could lead to top leaders within PH quarrelling with each other.
“Jumping to a different coalition is normal, but jumping to another component party is inappropriate because it could affect PH’s friendship, stability and fighting spirit.
“The long-term effect is, the component parties will be suspicious of each other and this is not a healthy environment for a political coalition.
“PKR needs to ask itself, how would it feel if PKR representatives start jumping to Amanah? Harmony is key to having a strong coalition,” he said.
These assemblymen are only moving to a new room in the same house. PROFESSOR DATUK DR SHAMSUL AMRI BAHARUDDIN
National Professors Council chairman