Bersatu just in a ‘cooling-off’ period, say party reps

Bersatu members Afif Bahardin(left) and Hanifah Abu Baker have dismissed claims that the party was stagnant because its leaders were enjoying a “honeymoon”.

PETALING JAYA: Several Bersatu leaders have dismissed claims that the party is stagnant because the leadership was still in its “honeymoon” phase.

Taman Medan assemblyman Dr Afif Bahardin said the party was instead in a “cooling-off” period, especially in view of the impending Bersatu elections, expected to take place later this year.

“So our leaders are just focusing on the polls and after that they will zero in on strengthening the party,” said Afif, who is secretary of Selangor Perikatan Nasional.

Recently, a Perak grassroots leader compared the pace of which Bersatu was recruiting members, strengthening grassroots and organising programmes to its PN ally, PAS.

Afif admitted that PAS was moving faster, due to its decades of experience. He said Bersatu – an Umno splinter party – had a lot of things to learn from PAS.

However, he remained optimistic that things were gearing up for Bersatu as he claimed more members from Umno and PKR will join Bersatu as they saw that their future lay with PN.

Negeri Sembilan Bersatu chief Hanifah Abu Baker said the attendance at the party’s extraordinary general meeting yesterday invalidated claims the party was stagnant.

It was reported that 1,956 delegates turned up for the EGM.

“Members came together as one and leaders were serious about tackling issues (that plagued the country and party). “Yes, there are challenges, but we are determined to strengthen the party.”

Hanifah also brushed off claims that the party was stagnant as a “personal opinion”.

Meanwhile, Langkawi MP Suhaimi Abdullah said the party “was on track”. In Kedah, MPs, assemblymen and division leaders were playing their roles and taking care of their areas well. He did not elaborate.