SHAH ALAM – Former Selangor Menteri Besar Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo has confirmed he has joined Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu), despite anticipating criticism and accusations over his decision.
In a Facebook statement on Wednesday, Khir said he is accustomed to negative perceptions and has no intention of pleasing those who have disliked him from the start.
“I know there will be a lot of slander when news spreads that I have chosen to become a member of Bersatu.
“For those who are unhappy with me, there will surely be countless things said to defame and condemn me across all media," he said.
He said it would be foolish to live under the shadow of others’ negative views, especially when it only serves to satisfy political enemies.
“They will be very happy when we fail in life,” he added.
The former Sungai Panjang assemblyman said his decision was based on his belief in the sincerity of Bersatu’s leadership in fighting for the Malay community and the country's future.
He pointed out that Bersatu has surpassed Umno in parliamentary seats and, as a result, has greater potential to form a government at both state and national levels.
“God determines the question of winning or losing, but effort must be made and our ambitions must be demonstrated with determination,” he said.
Commenting on Umno’s current position, he said he does not see the party regaining dominance if it contests fewer seats than its coalition partners, such as Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR).
“Umno has become a ‘supplement’ party to PH (Pakatan Harapan). I don’t want to fight in a party that only serves as a complement to another party,” he said.
Reflecting on his contributions to Umno, Khir expressed gratitude to the party and to former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who had entrusted him to lead Selangor.
Khir described that he no longer harbours grand political ambitions but wishes to contribute his remaining energy to ensure the country is led by just Malay leaders.
“I am a small man, I have no great ambitions. Allow me to spend whatever energy I have left to ensure the nation’s leadership remains in the hands of Malay leaders who can deliver justice to all, as Umno once did,” he said.