Shafie should consider joining another political party, says expert

PETALING JAYA: Former cabinet minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal (pix) would have a better chance of continuing his political struggle if he joins another party instead of forming a splinter group.
Commenting on Shafie's future prospects after he quit Umno on Monday, Professor Shaharuddin Badaruddin of Universiti Selangor said the Sabah politician would not be able to make a significant impact if he decided to form a splinter party to fight against Umno.
"Shafie must utilise his political influence in Sabah. To cite an example, in 1985, Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) was registered where the founding president was Datuk Joseph Pairin Kitingan, who broke away from the ruling Parti Berjaya because of his differences with the party president," Shaharuddin told theSun when contacted.
Former Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin who was earlier sacked from Umno together with former Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir had said he was mulling the possibility of a new political platform.
Muhyiddin said the new "platform" would champion public interest and bring the nation forward.
The Pagoh MP however did not elaborate when asked whether this new platform would be a political party.
Shaharuddin said forming a splinter party would not be enough for the trio to combat the ruling government, adding that they would prove more effective by joining the Pakatan Harapan coalition.
"We must admit that opposition parties such as PKR, DAP and Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) have their own strengths.
"Thus the three former Umno politicians should opt to join an existing political party to challenge Barisan Nasional," he said.