BERSATU grassroots members who still support Dr Mahathir Mohamad believe the party can be turned around if its role in Pakatan Harapan’s collapse is clearly explained.

Kedah members met after Dr Mahathir’s launch of the Bersatu Blackout campaign in Alor Star last night said many among the grassroots were confused and wanted explanations about president Muhyiddin Yassin’s leadership and the change in federal government.

The campaign, which takes its name from the change of colour of Bersatu’s hibiscus logo from red to black, is a tour to explain what happened. 

The campaign must continue, even if the numbers in attendance are small, grassroots members said.

Jerlun division member Fazil Mat Enda said party members must be reminded of Bersatu’s founding objective – to fight kleptocracy by toppling the Barisan Nasional regime in the 2018 general election.

“The initial principle when Bersatu was formed, is to eliminate kleptocracy. We need to explain this to other grassroots members.

“This campaign needs to be continued, even if on a small scale, even if just 50 people attend our talks because it is important that the objective is achieved,” Fazil said.

He added that members must realise the change of government in late February was an issue of betrayal.

“Some Bersatu members and leaders were willing to side with kleptocrats whom the party had once opposed,” he said, referring to Umno and PAS.

“Bersatu can still be restored if the grassroots members get a real explanation of what happened,” he added.

Bukit Bendera division member Mohd Wazeer Seni Mohamad said he believed many members still supported Dr Mahathir, who was the party chairman.

The former prime minister had been the sole candidate for party chairman in upcoming elections until his membership was revoked, an act he is challenging in court.

Wazeer said Muhyiddin’s support came from division or branch leaders, but not among ordinary members.

“As long as Dr Mahathir is alive and there are still other leaders who want to oppose kleptocracy, I am confident Bersatu can be saved,” said Wazeer who drove two hours from Bukit Bendera in Penang to Alor Star for the inaugural forum last night.

More than 500 party members attended the launch of the campaign in Alor Star last night, which was opened by Mukhriz Mahathir. Dr Mahathir also gave a speech.

Kubang Pasu youth division chief candidate Zuhail Ibrahim said many members felt a sense of injustice at PH’s downfall and the change in government.

“We joined Bersatu to oppose Umno and PAS but now they formed the government. We do not want this party to be with Umno and PAS, we don’t want to be with those who are thieves,” said the 27-year-old.

Mohd Shukor Sharir, a member from Pendang, Kedah, said he came to the forum last night to see what direction Dr Mahathir could steer the party in despite the fact he had been ejected from the party.

“I still have hopes he can lead the party again. Grassroots members are confused. Many do not support Muhyiddin, but they don’t know who to follow now.

“I hope the court decision on August 7 will be in Dr Mahathir’s favour,” the 52-year-old Shukor said.

The Kuala Lumpur High Court will decide on August 7 whether to allow Muhyiddin’s bid to strike out a suit by Dr Mahathir Mohamad and others who are challenging their removal from the party

They were removed from the party for sitting with the opposition bloc in Parliament.

Should Muhyiddin’s strikeout bid fail, the court could on the same day deliver its ruling whether to allow Dr Mahathir’s application for an interim injunction to maintain the status quo on party appointments until the main suit is disposed of. – July 19, 2020.