Malaysia’s former minister of education Maszlee Malik has quit Pejuang (Warriors), the political party formed by the country’s once longest-serving prime minister Mahathir Mohamad.
This comes after the 45-year-old went against the party to reportedly declare his support for opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim’s administration last month. Mazslee was one of the first politicians to sign up with Pejuang when the party formed in August.
In the Facebook statement titled “Notice of withdrawal from Pejuang,” Maszlee said yesterday he would rather focus on contributing to COVID-19 relief efforts in the Simpang Renggam constituency in Johor he is in charge of.
“I want to fully concentrate on helping the people, especially in Simpang Renggam, who have been badly affected by COVID-19,” he wrote.
“I’m sure that people are tired of the constant mind games by elite politicians,” he added. “The people need someone that would serve them and help solve their problems.”
Mahathir’s aide Adam Mukhriz Mohd Muhayeddin yesterday claimed that Maszlee had in October signed a statutory declaration to support Anwar Ibrahim, which was against the wishes of his party. Pejuang had decided to “wait and see” before announcing their stand on Anwar.
“From what I understand, Mahathir was hurt by Maszlee’s move,” Adam said. His name was also absent from Pejuang’s Sunday press statement regarding the federal budget due to be revealed Friday.
Maszlee has not publicly declared his support for Anwar.
Other stories to check out:
Malaysia’s parliament sitting cut short after political aide contracts COVID-19
Reader Interactions