Assemblyman to party hop claim mere speculation - Perak MB

Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Zambry Abd Kadir has dismissed as speculation a reported claim that state assemblyman Ahmad Hasbullah Alias does not want to defend the Kubu Gajah seat in the next general election because he wants to join another political party.

Ahmad Hasbullah, 51, had not informed him he was joining another party, he said, adding that he had only said he did not want to contest.

"We don't think he will join another party. He has expressed his love for his (Umno) party. The talk of hopping to another party is mere speculation," he said to reporters after a live broadcast over Radio PerakFM.

Asked whether Barisan Nasional would coax Ahmad Hasbullah to defend his seat, considering that he was a popular candidate, Dr Zambry said the BN would consider all aspects before making a decision.

"I cannot comment because I have yet to meet him. We will consider all aspects. What is of most importance is that he has stated his intention and we are thankful for that," he said.

Ahmad Hasbullah, 51, said on Sunday that he had decided not to defend his seat in the next general election because he wanted to make way for new leaders.

The state assemblyman, who has been the elected representative since the 13th General Election in May 2013, said he had no plans and that he wanted to rest for some time.

-- BERNAMA