PETALING JAYA: Former Cabinet minister Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz, who is also an Umno member, sees no wrong in being a member of Muafakat Nasional.

According to Nazri, he was a Muafakat member before the 15th general election in 2022 despite maintaining his Umno membership.

“Just so happened that it came out in the open because Muafakat president Tan Sri Annuar Musa took a picture of me with him. So it’s okay. There’s nothing to hide,” Nazri told The Star when contacted on Wednesday (Aug 7).

Nazri said that as the Malaysian Ambassador to the United States, he is free to be a member of any political party. He is also the Padang Rengas Umno division chief.

“Muafakat is an NGO, not a political party. So, I did nothing wrong, and it is not a big deal,” said Nazri.

Nazri also appeared unfazed by any criticism by leaders for being a member of Muafakat.

“They can try (to criticise me), and I will reply,” added Nazri.

According to Nazri, he has been back in Kuala Lumpur for about two weeks, and he is here to attend an Umno meeting later in August.

“I will be back on Aug 13th, next week,” added Nazri.

In a Facebook post on Tuesday (Aug 6), Annuar thanked Nazri for being a Muafakat member and also buying him a meal at an unnamed restaurant.

“Muafakat remains an NGO, and its membership goes beyond party lines, race, religion, and culture; it is open to all,” added Annuar.

Muafakat was formed by PAS and Umno in September 2019 when Pakatan Harapan was governing the country. Its aim was to unite the Malay-Muslim community.

Bersatu was invited to join after it left Pakatan Harapan, but did not formally enter the alliance.

In December 2022, Annuar announced that Muafakat Nasional was no longer a political grouping but a non-governmental organisation.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/08/07/nothing-wrong-in-being-a-muafakat-member-says-nazri