Najib plots two defections, while Nasarudin urges Umno members to join Pakatan

[...] The plot thickens in politically-charged Perak and a quick exchange is expected by many.

Incoming Umno president Najib Abdul Razak is believed to be in the last lap of negotiations with two KeADILan state representatives to defect, making up for the recent loss of Bota assemblyman Nasarudin Hashim to the Pakatan Rakyat component party.

Another Umno leader, Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, too has begun pumping up incentives to keep disgruntled state reps from leaving the Umno-led Barisan Nasional coalition.

Zahid promised BN assemblymen in Perak that they would soon receive development funds of RM300,000 each from the federal government. Each of their constituency would also be allocated RM1 million in public amenity projects.

“The allocation has been approved and will be distributed soon to the 27 BN assemblymen,” said Zahid, who is also Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department.

Meanwhile, Nasarudin has urged his former colleagues at Umno to follow him and join the Pakatan coalition, saying that the once-mighty Umno was too corrupt and could no longer command the respect of the Malay community.

“I believe they are matured enough to think for themselves,” said the 58-year old, who shocked Umno by resigning to join KeADILan a week ago.

“I have never seen such a large crowd not even for my ceramah during the general election last year. It is clear that the people support me and they are happy,” Nasarudin said, referring to the huge turnout that came to the Bota stadium to greet him and Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim. [read more]

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