Kedah DAP unperturbed by rumours of Umno defections: chairman

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ALOR STAR – Kedah DAP remains unfazed by reports that two Umno backbenchers are planning to defect as it will not benefit them or anyone else here politically.

Kedah DAP chairman Tan Kok Yew instead urged the people here to focus on celebrating Chinese New Year while also not discounting the threat that Covid-19 continues to pose in the state.

Reports have surfaced that the two Umno members namely Sg Tiang assemblyman Datuk Suraya Yaacob and Bandar Baharu assemblyman Datuk Norsabrina Mohd Noor may join other parties, but many political observers here said that it was just an attempt to rattle PAS’ hold in the state, given that Umno is not in any position to inflict damage in the state.
Tan does not expect the two Umno representatives, who are state excos, would betray the PAS-led state government, here.

“I think it is a joke. There is no basis as it does not make any difference.”

“DAP accepts the status quo, and we will continue to play our role as an opposition in the state assembly.

“We will not resort to any move to unseat the state government. We have suffered in the last two years due to Covid-19 and the movement control orders.

“So, let’s enjoy the Chinese New Year and reduce politics for the time being.

“Let us refresh our energy so that in the future, Pakatan Harapan (PH) can take over the state in the next general elections,” he said. 

Meanwhile, Norsabrina said that she has no plans to withdraw her support from the PAS-led state government.

She added that she also spoke to her counterpart Suraya, who also professes the same thing.

At present, PAS holds 15 seats in the 36-member Kedah assembly, while Bersatu has six and Umno two, giving Perikatan Nasional 23 seats.

They enjoy a simple majority of 13 after overthrowing the PH government in 2020, which was then led by Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir, who is the son of former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamed.

PH, through PKR and Amanah, has five and four seats respectively, while DAP and Pejuang have two seats each.

Meanwhile, a veteran politician, who declined to be named, said that there is no reason for any defections to transpire although many quarters feel that there is room for improvement for Kedah under Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammed Sanusi Md Nor.

“Kedah has a long way to go to develop the state,” he said. – The Vibes, February 1, 2022