Mas Ermieyati Samsudin becomes an independent MP.
Former Puteri Umno chief Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin has quit the party because she is disappointed with Umno’s failure to elect fresh faces for the party leadership.
The former deputy tourism minister in a statement said that she had hoped that Umno will be steered in a “new direction” in the party elections.
“I hoped to see Umno members choose at least 70% of fresh faces as leaders, but that did not happen,” she said.
“What sort of election is this, if the virus is left to spread and the medicine is too bitter to swallow,” said Mas on Sunday.
“Let me be honest, Umno has derailed and is rejected by the Malays themselves,” she added.
Mas said that after some “serious thought”, she has decided to leave the party and become an independent Parliamentarian.
She said she will continue as Masjid Tanah MP and to debate and fight for the welfare and development of her constituency.
According to Mas, Umno lost a good opportunity to replace the old leadership, adding that the results showed that members were still in a denial mode.
He said the current leaders were still not coming to terms with the “people’s rejection of Umno”.
“On the other hand, they think Umno is a victim of people’s hatred towards Najib Razak,” she said.
“The 1MDB scandal has made Umno a laughing stock among Malaysians.”
“Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. With my past background as a lawyer, I hope to do my best for Malaysians and ensure the executive is monitored by an effective Parliament.”
“I will play a role in criticising and advising the Government, providing check and balance on policies introduced by Pakatan Harapan without being bound by the ethics of any political party,” said Mas.
Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi was announced as Umno’s new president on Saturday night (June 30), while former Negeri Sembilan mentri besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan was elected Umno deputy president.
Mas is the third MP from Umno to quit the party after the May 9 polls.
Earlier, Bukit Gantang MP Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Abdul Fasal and Bagan Serai MP Noor Azmi Ghazali Azmi declared themselves as independents, saying they have lost confidence in Umno.