Umno to Bersatu jump: Harrison wants to align with the people

SHAH ALAM - Despite being labelled as a traitor, Perikatan Nasional’s (PN) Jeram candidate Datuk Harrison Hassan says it was the “best” decision for himself with the current political landscape.

Harrison said he faced various forms of criticism following his sacking from Umno immediately after he was announced as PN's candidate in the upcoming state elections.

He said he made the jump as he felt Bersatu aligns with the people’s demand for political change.

Harrison said he was sincere in the move.

"I am fighting because I am sincere. There is no coercion or pressure. I don't follow any idols.

"I am fighting for myself and feel that the people want change now. Umno and Barisan Nasional (BN) are still stuck in old ways.

"It does not align with the people's demands nowadays, so I accept and migrate to a new party," he said during an episode of Sinar Live.

On July 28, Umno President Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced Harrison's removal after he was named as a PN candidate.

Zahid, who is also BN chairman, stated that the automatic revocation of membership aligns with the party's constitution and disciplinary board regulations.

In this context, Harrison added that based on his experience of about 20 years in politics, the people's demands towards political parties were no longer the same as in previous elections.

"What is the perception or stigma of the people towards political parties? They know how to promise and talk, but their actions don't match their words.

"So, these are the things that need to change. Maybe not everyone but many leaders or members of Umno are still at that level, and as an individual, I want change.

"I want to bring about change so that people know that there are also politicians who will change according to the people's demands," he said.

In the Selangor state polls, Harrison is up against BN candidate Datuk Jahaya Ibrahim, the Umno Kuala Selangor Division Chief.