‘My decision to join PH will not interfere Unity Government’, Zahidi says

SHAH ALAM - Former Umno supreme council member Datuk Zahidi Zainul Abidin is confident his decision to join Pakatan Harapan (PH) will not interfere with the coalition’s Unity Government with Umno.

“I am only a trivial leader who never holds significant positions at the national level, unlike former Umno youth Khairy Jamaluddin who has the potential as prime minister, where if he joins PKR, Rafizi might feel challenged.

“So if it’s ‘Datuk Zahidi’ then there is no issue as I have no ambition to hold top positions,” he joked during a Sinar Live programme entitled ‘Kenapa Pilih PH’ (Why choose PH), hosted by Hazwan Mokhtar and broadcast live on all Sinar Harian social media platforms on Thursday.

“I am aware if an issue arises at the divisional or state level, PKR leaders have to discuss it first before I join PKR, however, Amanah (Parti Amanah Negara) is ready to welcome me.

“I would consider which path is easier and cause no problems as I am seeking a place to fight together.

“PH and Umno are good options, and I can also be with my Umno friends without turning them into sacked ‘victims’, especially those who supported me,” he said.

Zahidi admitted that 2,000 Umno members at the division level wanted to follow his footsteps and migrate to other parties.

“I told them that I do not want to hold any position, to support the existing leader, and that there is no issue to not compete in the election as we have served as leaders for 25 years.

“I will continue to contribute if they need my service and experience,” he said.

PKR Deputy President Rafizi Ramli previously said the party would need to discuss first if any sacked Umno leaders wanted to join PKR.

This also answers rumour that Khairy Jamaluddin would follow suit after Zahidi confirmed that he would join the party after he was sacked from Umno recently.