PASIR MAS: Fifty Pas members crossed over to Umno today, citing loss of confidence with the Islamic party which has ruled Kelantan for more than 23 years.
The group, led by former soldier Mat Zahid Junoh, submitted their Pas member application forms during a simple ceremony at the Paloh mosque near Tendong here.
The forms were received by Kelantan Umno liaison chief Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed.
About 500 people attended the function.
Mat Zahid said he and his cohorts decided to join Umno after realising that it is the only party that can defend the people.
"The attitude of some Pas leaders is different now, compared to previous leaders. They like to blame other parties and try to hide their wrongdoings.
"Because of this, I choose to join Umno today, and left Pas, which had been my favourite party for the past 29 years," said the 55-year-old when met after the ceremony.
Another former Pas member, Md Nawai Ibrahim, 57, said he found that Umno is a party which holds strong to the Islamic faith.
"I discovered that Umno, especially Kelantan Umno, has been helping the people all this while, conducting a lot of welfare activities to help the needy, such as repairing damaged roads and dilapidated houses of villagers, including in Paloh here," he added.
Meanwhile, Mustapa said that Kelantan Umno expects more Pas members to join the party in the future.
"I believe many of them have realised Umno's advantage, which makes the party different from Pas.
"Umno's strategic plan is more sound compared to Pas’s. Therefore, I hope more will join us, including those from Kuala Krai and Pasir Putih," he added.