Why did Amanah members defect to BN in Sungai Besar?

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Amanah Members Switched Allegiance to BN Due to Candidate Selection and Local Representation Concerns

A faction of Sungai Besar Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) members announced their support for Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate Budiman Mohd Zohdi, citing dissatisfaction with Amanah's choice of Azhar Shukur as their candidate for the June 18 by-election. The group, led by Mohd Sapigni Tulus and claiming to represent over 32 individuals, expressed their belief that Azhar was a "parachute candidate" who did not reside in the Sungai Besar constituency and therefore could not adequately represent the local community's interests. They stated a preference for Budiman, a local-born candidate, whom they felt possessed a stronger track record and a better understanding of the issues pertinent to Sungai Besar.
Disappointment Over Non-Local Candidate Selection

The core of the defection stemmed from the perceived inappropriateness of Azhar Shukur's candidacy. Mohd Sapigni Tulus articulated that the chosen candidate did not truly represent Amanah and, crucially, was not a resident of Sungai Besar. This sentiment was echoed by the group, who felt that a non-local candidate would be unable to effectively address the specific needs and concerns of the constituency's residents, leading them to label Azhar as a "parachute candidate."
Preference for Local Representation and Budiman's Track Record

The group explicitly stated their intention to campaign for Budiman Mohd Zohdi, a candidate they identified as being born in the area. Their rationale was rooted in the belief that a local representative like Budiman would be more attuned to community issues and better positioned to champion their cause. Sapigni pointed to Budiman's existing track record as evidence of his suitability and capability to lead Sungai Besar, suggesting this local connection and past performance were more compelling than Azhar's party affiliation.
Unsuccessful Attempts to Address Concerns Internally

Prior to their public announcement, the dissenting Amanah members had reportedly attempted to voice their reservations about Azhar's candidacy to the state leadership. These efforts, however, did not yield the desired outcome, as the party leadership proceeded with Azhar's nomination. This lack of response from the state leadership appears to have solidified the group's decision to seek an alternative through supporting the BN candidate.
Underlying Factors and Internal Party Dynamics

While the stated reasons for the defection centred on candidate selection and local representation, an unnamed Amanah source suggested a different underlying motive. This source attributed Mohd Sapigni Tulus's actions to personal disappointment, specifically his alleged unhappiness at not being chosen as the Sungai Besar Amanah chief. Sapigni, a former Umno member who joined Amanah last year and claimed to have financed its establishment, was apparently overlooked for the local party leadership position.

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Why did Amanah members defect to BN in Sungai Besar?

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