KLANG: Tanjong Karang MP Datuk Dr Zulkaperi Hanapi (pic) has become the sixth lawmaker from Bersatu to declare his support for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said he would support Anwar and his Madani government until the next general election.
However, he insisted that he remains a loyal Bersatu member and would never betray his party.
He added that his declaration of support for the 10th Prime Minister’s leadership comes without any coercion or pressure from any party, and that he is doing it for the benefit of the people of Tanjong Karang.
“I realise that there is a need for political stability and smooth economic recovery of the country.
“I also realise the hardship being faced by the people and the rising cost of living.
“I pledge, as Tanjong Karang MP, to support the leadership of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim,” said Dr Zulkaperi in a statement.
He said he made the decision to support the Federal Government to ensure there will be benefits that can improve the wellbeing of the people and development in his constituency.
“I would also like to record my support for the policies and initiatives of the Madani government that emphasise welfare, development, the economy and the interests of the people,” he added.
Dr Zulkaperi said to ensure plans for the Tanjong Karang parliamentary constituency are in line with the Federal Government, it would be appropriate for him to align with the leadership in Putrajaya led by Anwar.
He also urged his constituents to cooperate, support the government, and pray to ensure that Tanjong Karang will see positive development.
Permatang assemblyman Nurul Syazwani Noh said she was shocked and disappointed with Dr Zulkaperi’s announcement.
“The decision he made was without any consultation or meeting with me or anyone else from the (Tanjong Karang Bersatu) division,” she said.
She added she had a good working relationship with the Tanjong Karang MP.
Nurul Syazwani said despite the setback, she will work hard to ensure Tanjung Karang remains a Bersatu and Perikatan Nasional stronghold.
PKR general-treasurer William Leong said Dr Zulkaperi’s move is an indication of “mature politics.”
Mature politics also means that political campaigning should not be made a prolonged affair, he added.
“The country is going through a difficult time economically, and politicians must put their differences aside and work together,” said Leong, who is Selayang MP.
The Permatang constituency is one of the two state seats in the Tanjong Karang parliamentary seat.
The other is Sungai Burong, which is held by Dr Mohd Zamri Mohd Zainuldin from PAS, another Perikatan partner.
Nurul Syazwani’s father, Tan Sri Noh Omar, was Tanjong Karang MP for six terms until the last general election when he was dropped by Umno.
Dr Zulkaperi is the sixth Bersatu MP who has declared support for Anwar.
The others are Zahari Kechik (Jeli), Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid (Kuala Kangsar), Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal (Bukit Gantang), Suhaili Abdul Rahman (Labuan) and Mohd Azizi Abu Naim (Gua Musang).
