Report: Maszlee Quits Mahathir's Pejuang And Is In Talks To Join Syed Saddiq's Youth Party
Dr Maszlee Malik said he left Pejuang is because he wants to focus on his responsibility as the representative of the Simpang Renggam constituency.
By Yap Wan Xiang — 02 Nov 2020, 05:43 PM
Former education minister Dr Maszlee Malik announced that he has quit Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's party today, 2 November
In a statement published on Facebook, he said the reason he quit the three-month-old Parti Pejuang Tanah Air (Pejuang) is because he wants to focus on his responsibility as the Simpang Renggam Member of Parliament (MP).
"I wanted to fully concentrate my effort in helping the rakyat that have been tremendously affected with COVID-19, especially those in Simpang Renggam and the rest of the country in general," he said.
"This decision is made based on the facts garnered through detailed observation and field research on the aspirations and needs of the rakyat."
"I believe the rakyat had grown nauseous with the game of power and politics by the elite 'politikus'. The rakyat is in need of politicians who are focused and truly solving the adversities they are currently facing with."
He assured that he will continue fighting for changes in education as an independent MP and will be working closely with non-governmental organsations (NGOs) and other activists.
Former education minister and Simpang Renggam MP Dr Maszlee Malik.
Image via The Borneo Post via UNRESERVEDWhile Maszlee has just announced his independence, sources said that he may be joining former youth and sports minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman's new party
According to Malay Mail, several sources told the online news portal that the 45-year-old MP has been in talks with the Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (MUDA).
It is also understood that the youth-centric party is trying to make Maszlee a member.
"Yes, we have been in talks with Dr Maszlee," said one source from MUDA, declining to elaborate further.
Former youth and sports minister and MUDA founder Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman.
Image via @syedsaddiq (Instagram)Maszlee's departure from Pejuang has now left the party with only four members
Other than party president Dr Mahathir, the other members are Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir, Datuk Seri Amiruddin Hamzah, Datuk Marzuki Yahya, and Datuk Shahruddin Md Salleh.
The four, as well as Maszlee, were previously members of Bersatu before being ousted from the party by its president and current Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
Dr Mahathir said his party Pejuang aims to win 30 parliamentary seats in the next general election and will emerge as the 'kingmaker' in forming the next government, reported Sinar Harian.
The 94-year-old also expressed his view that MUDA will not be successful following Syed Saddiq's announcement of his new party in late August.
From left to right: Amiruddin Hamzah, Mukhriz Mahathir, Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Marzuki Yahya, Maszlee Malik, and Shahruddin Md Salleh.
Image via EDISI9