Ibrahim has a hidden agenda, says Khairuddin

Former Umno man says the Perkasa president wants to disrupt any chance of straight fights at general election.

(FMT) – Former Umno divisional leader Khairuddin Abu Hassan has accused Perkasa president Ibrahim Ali of harbouring a hidden agenda when he revealed his organisation’s plans to field 50 candidates in Malay-majority parliamentary seats at the next general election.

Ibrahim had said earlier today Perkasa would place candidates in seats expected to be contested by PAS and Pakatan Harapan.

If Ibrahim does not negotiate with opposition parties before fielding these candidates, Khairuddin said, then his move was being made purely to disrupt Pakatan Harapan’s long-sought plan for one-to-one contests against the Barisan Nasional.

“No matter what excuse he may give, like saying ‘this is a democratic country and anyone has the right to contest’ to me he is still a traitor and is trying to destroy any chance at one-to-one fights,” Khairuddin said in a statement today.

He urged Ibrahim to help instead of trying to hinder Pakatan Harapan. “He should be helping the opposition bloc to topple Prime Minister Najib Razak and his kleptocratic government, not be a troublemaker.”

However, Khairuddin also dismissed Ibrahim as someone whose days were long past and one who was no longer relevant in politics today.

“Ibrahim’s era has passed. He should not lust for power and should take into account the wishes of the rakyat who are hoping for one on one fights come the next general elections.”

Ibrahim had said after Perkasa’s annual assembly today that he would be fielding 50 independent candidates with convincing backgrounds and careers. They would include former high-ranking civil servants, experienced lawyers, professionals and religious figures.