Umno man shows up at Perikatan event, says it’s on behalf of Muafakat Nasional

MUAR: A Melaka Umno assemblyman’s presence at a Perikatan Nasional event here has raised eyebrows.

Rembia representative Datuk Muhammad Jailani Khamis was among attendees at the Perikatan machinery launch for the Simpang Jeram by-election on Wednesday (Aug 23) night.

Muhammad Jailani said he was attending the event under Muafakat Nasional, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) led by Tan Sri Annuar Musa.

“I am representing Annuar (here) as Muafakat Nasional is firm in its belief in the unity of the ummah.

“That happens to also be the same spirit shared by Perikatan. We believe that this unity is not dead and we do not make enemies with any political parties,” he told The Star.

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Asked if his presence indicated that he might leave Umno, Jailani said it was not a sign of anything.

“It does not say anything. We just want this unity to continue. If not through PAS, Umno and Bersatu, then through Muafakat Nasional as an NGO.

“There needs to be a space for Malay parties to sit together and be united,” he said.

Earlier, PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan acknowledged the former Melaka exco member’s presence at the event.

“I (have) a little surprise tonight. Also with us is my friend Jailani Khamis, my friend from Melaka,” said Takiyuddin.

Muhammad Jailani won the Rembia seat in 2018 on a PKR ticket. He then quit the party in 2020 to be an independent and joined Umno in 2021.

He retained his seat in the November 2021 state election and served as tourism, heritage and culture committee chairman from then until March this year.