MASZLEE Malik has withdrawn as a pro tem member of Pejuang, citing a need to focus on his work as Simpang Renggam MP.

“I wish to focus full time on (helping) the public affected by the Covid-19 (pandemic), especially in Simpang Renggam and the rest of the country in general,” he said in a statement today.

The former education minister said he also wants to concentrate on efforts to reform the education system in his capacity as an independent MP, and work with civil society on this.

“I believe change does not require one to hold a position or post, only the desire and opportunity to affect it,” he said.

Questions about his position in Pejuang arose after he failed to sign off on a joint statement from party leaders on Budget 2021 issued yesterday.

Pejuang head Dr Mahathir Mohamad and party MPs said it was irresponsible to back Budget 2021 without studying it first.

“We want to make sure this budget takes care of the people and revives the economy,” Pejuang said.

Pejuang MPs said they, too, have ideas on reviving the economy, adding they were not politicising the issue but merely fulfilling their obligations to their constituents.

The statement was signed by four MPs – Dr Mahathir (Langkawi), Mukhriz Mahathir (Jerlun), Amiruddin Hamzah (Kubang Pasu) and Shahruddin Md Salleh (Sri Gading).

It is unclear why Maszlee, a close ally of Dr Mahathir’s, did not put his name to the statement.

Meanwhile, Maszlee said he came to his decision to quit the party after thorough research into what the public wanted.

“I am confident the public is fed up with political games played by the political elite.

“The public wants politicians who are focused on service and have a drive to settle problems faced by the people.” – November 2, 2020.