Trouble in Johor Bersatu

Trouble is brewing in Johor Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia with internal rebellion against newly appointed chairman Mazlan Bujang.

(The Star) – It is learnt a group of Bersatu division leaders have sent a memorandum to party chairman Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad calling for Mazlan to be replaced.

Mazlan was also not invited to Johor Ruler Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar’s Hari Raya gathering with Bersatu leaders at Istana Pasir Pelangi on Monday.

A Bersatu meeting held for the first time since Mazlan was appointed chief the same night was also boycotted by half of the 26 division leaders in the state.

Mazlan said he was unperturbed by the attempts to have him removed.

“I am aware of a group meeting with Dr Mahathir. But I have the full backing of the chairman and party president.

“They have even appointed me as a supreme council member in the party,” he said, adding that he was also not disappointed about not being invited to the Hari Raya gathering with the Johor Ruler.

Mazlan also pointed out he was not the only Bersatu leader who was not invited to the event.

“Anyway, I had another programme that same day,” he added.

He said there would be no action against those who did not turn up for his first division leaders’ meeting at the party headquarters, adding that his interest is for everyone to be united for the party’s sake.

Mazlan said he did not have any issues working with Mentri Besar Datuk Dr Sahruddin Jamal, whom he described as being in a difficult position – wedged between the party and the palace.

Mazlan hoped that all the 26 division leaders would close ranks and work for the people as the party elections were around the corner.

Meanwhile, a Bersatu leader who attended the gathering with the Sultan of Johor described the event as cordial.

“Tuanku reminded us to serve the people and not just play politics,” he said, adding that the Ruler also wore red, which is the party’s colour, during the event.

He confirmed that besides Mazlan, there were a few other division chiefs who were not present at the event.

Mazlan was among two state executive councillors dropped from the new state line-up under Dr Sahruddin following the resignation of Datuk Osman Sapian. The other was Tan Hong Pin from DAP.