BERSATU lost its direction and purpose when its leadership decided to partner with Umno, said Amir Khusyairi Mohamad Tanusi.

“The right thing (for me) to do is to fight to restore the rule of law,” said the Pejuang candidate for the Slim state seat by-election, for which nominations were held earlier today.

The 38-year-old lawyer told The Malaysian Insight he resigned from Bersatu to join Pejuang to maintain political integrity and respect the rule of law.

“I hope voters will pick the candidate who has credibility, younger leaders and the candidate who can serve them,” Amir said after he was confirmed as one of three candidates vying for the seat in the Perak state legislature.

The seat was vacated on July 15 following the death of Barisan Nasional assemblyman Mohd Khusairi Abdul Talib.

The other two candidates are Umno Tg Malim acting division chief Mohd Zaidi Aziz and independent Santhara Segaran Subramaniam.

Amir, however, will not be contesting under the Pejuang banner but as an independent as the new party has not yet received the Registrar of Societies’ approval.

Pejuang was formed by ex-Bersatu chairman Dr Mahathir Mohamad, after the 95-year-old was ousted in a power tussle with Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin.

After taking Bersatu out of Pakatan Harapan to work with Barisan Nasional and form the Perikatan Nasional government, Muhyiddin later sacked Dr Mahathir and five other Bersatu MPs who did not support his decision.

On his chances, Amir said he hoped former Bersatu members like him across the country will rise up to the occasion and help him in his campaign.

“Slim is a 74% Malay-based rural area. Settlers must not only be dependent on Felda. 

“I hope to help them better use their land and improve education for the youth,” said the International Islamic University of Malaysia law graduate.

Polling for the Slim by-election falls on August 29 while early voting is on August 25. – August 15, 2020.