Ismail Kassim's decision astounds Perlis Bersatu leaders

KANGAR: The resignation of Tambun Tulang state assemblyman Datuk Ismail Kassim from Umno and his intention to eventually join Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) has astounded Bersatu leaders in Perlis.
Bersatu Perlis chairman Ameir Hassan (pix) said it would be a little absurd for Bersatu leaders and members to sit at the same table with the party's adversaries of the 14th general election.
Bersatu Perlis had leaders of integrity and it did not need Umno practices in its struggle, he said.
"If he (Ismail) wants to struggle for the people, then let there be a fresh election to secure the mandate of the people," he said to Bernama here today.
Ameir said the intention of the Umno Arau Division deputy chief to switch parties would not help solve any problem, but would only cause more chaos.
Nevertheless, he said, any final decision on the matter would have to be made by the Bersatu central leadership.
Ismail, who is the younger brother of Perlis Umno chairman Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim, announced late last night that he had resigned from Umno and become an independent state assemblyman after having lost confidence in the party leadership and that he would eventually join Bersatu.
Ismail's name was proposed as a candidate for menteri besar following the general election last month but the Raja of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Syed Putra Jamalullail, consented to retain Datuk Seri Azlan Man as the menteri besar.
This led to the BN assemblymen staying away from the swearing-in of Azlan as the mentri besar and calling in vain for Umno to expel him.
Ameir, who is also Perlis Pakatan Harapan chairman, said Bersatu in Perlis would carry on with its mission and be a strong and wise opposition in the state.
Sena state assemblyman Asrul Nizan Abd Jalil of PKR said he was surprised at Ismail's resignation from Umno but added that anything was possible in politics.
"I hope that as an assemblyman, he would be able to perform in the Perlis state legislative assembly. It is important that as assemblymen, we are able to serve the people as best as we can," he said.
As for Ismail's intention to join Bersatu, he said that would have to determined by the Pakatan Harapan Presidential Council.
Meanwhile, Shahidan said he only learned about Ismail's resignation from Umno from media reports.
"I am in hospital in Kuala Lumpur. I did not hear anything about this earlier," he said to Bernama when contacted. Shahidan is recuperating from a minor stroke he suffered earlier this month.
Perlis Mentri Besar Azlan, who is also Perlis Umno deputy chairman, said he respected the decision of Ismail to leave Umno, be an independent assemblyman and eventually join Bersatu.
"It was his decision. He is entitled to make decisions which he considers best for himself. I believe he has made all considerations before arriving at the decision," he said.
Ismail joined Umno 30 years ago at the age of 28 and had served as Perlis Umno Youth chief, Umno Arau Youth chief and Umno Arau deputy chief. — Bernama