Pejuang, Maszlee split over support for Anwar, claims Dr M’s aide

PETALING JAYA: An aide to Dr Mahathir Mohamad claims that the former prime minister’s new party Pejuang and Maszlee Malik parted ways after the latter decided to support opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim.

In a Facebook post, the aide said that the Simpang Renggam MP had allegedly signed a statutory declaration (SD) throwing his support for Anwar as prime minister.

“Maszlee had signed the SD despite having attended a Pejuang meeting where its members agreed not to support anyone associated with kleptocracy, and to wait and see who supported Anwar before the party decided on a stance,” the aide said.

According to the aide, Maszlee had also visited Mahathir’s house for dinner the night after he allegedly signed the SD in support of Anwar.

“Mahathir said ‘He (Maszlee) didn’t say anything at all, but sat for a long time over dinner talking about various things’.

“From the tone of Mahathir’s voice, we know he was hurt by Maszlee’s actions. But even after it (the news) went viral, there had been no effort from Maszlee’s side to apologise or provide any clarification.”

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The aide added that party members had attempted to contact him, but there was no response from Maszlee, who had served as education minister under the former Pakatan Harapan government.

The aide said in spite of what has transpired, the party still wishes Maszlee well, as he was free to make his own decisions.

“No matter what, we respect his decision. As for Mahathir? He will continue even if he has to fight on his own.”

FMT has reached out to Maszlee for comment.

Earlier today, Maszlee announced he was quitting Pejuang, saying the decision was based on “detailed observations and field research” of the people’s aspirations and needs.

He said he will continue to serve as an independent MP and work with NGOs, as he wanted to focus on the people, especially his constituents.

Maszlee’s departure came amid speculation over his status in the party, after his name was notably missing from a joint press release from all Pejuang MPs yesterday. FMT