PERAK Menteri Besar Ahmad Faizal Azumu has earned the ire of many within his own party and coalition for his “friend to all” concept in dealing with his former compatriots in Umno.

While his fellow state Pakatan Harapan (PH) leaders openly pledge their continued support to Faizal, sources said his tendency to favour Umno members is prompting a rebellion from within Bersatu and its coalition partners.

“Umno people are still remaining as GLC heads, and we have to constantly remind him that we are his component partners,” a PH grassroots leader told The Malaysian Insight on condition of anonymity.

“The treatment we receive is like we’re stepchildren. He’s better to his Umno friends.

“When we question him, he says they are his friends,” he said.

Perak Bersatu treasurer Amran Alang Ahmad agreed that it is Faizal’s close association with many Umno businessmen which has caused discomfort among his fellow Bersatu and PH members.

“We all know the menteri besar is also a product of Umno. He also knows. These are all his friends, and as menteri besar, he remains friendly with them because he practises the concept of ‘friend to all’.

“We don’t practise hate politics like Umno. We have to leave that behind,” Amran told The Malaysian Insight.

The Kampar Bersatu division head said the attacks against Faizal, who is also state PH chairman, also stems from a lack of communication, as well as from outsiders bent on testing the strength of PH in Perak.

“The attacks are because the menteri besar has not clearly communicated all the things he has done.

“I see that there are parties trying to take advantage of this to challenge and test us, to see if this government is strong,” he said.

Brewing crisis

PH won 29 out of 59 state seats in the 14th general election, but after two Barisan Nasional assemblymen defected, the coalition managed to form the state government.

PH now holds 30 seats, with DAP controlling 18, PKR (4), Amanah (6) and Bersatu (2). BN has 25 seats, PAS (3) and independent (1).

Eight Bersatu divisions in the state were cast into a crisis after Hamidah Osman, one of Bersatu’s founders, left the party last year.

Shortly after that, Tebing Tinggi assemblyman Abdul Aziz Bari allegedly planned to get a vote of no confidence against Faizal.

Amran said all division heads involved in the crisis were stripped of their positions, even though their memberships were retained. He did not dismiss the possibility that some of these members are now involved in the move against Faizal.

Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin has given his assurance that the leadership crisis in Perak will be resolved after the Semenyih by-election, which concluded on Saturday.

Popular among the people

In spite of the leadership crisis within Bersatu, Perak Amanah chairman Asmuni Awi said Faizal’s personality and attitude have made him a very likeable leader among the people.

“The support for the menteri besar is strong, there are no calls for a vote of no confidence. His work has improved and we have a close relationship, and he is also very approachable,” said Asmuni.

He said the grumblings against Faizal come mostly from within Bersatu, adding that he is confident the party’s leadership will be able to sort the issues out.

“We want a good state government, so the people will benefit the most,” he said.

Perak PKR information chief Raja Azam Shah Raja Omar Ikram agreed that Faizal is popular with the people, thanks to his casual attitude.

“The menteri besar is popular and is very approachable,” he said.

“He’s easy-going but serious when it comes to matters of the people. I can see that Faizal does not like delaying things. It’s his personality.” – March 5, 2019.