JOHOR BARU, Oct 7 — Amanah deputy president Datuk Salahuddin Ayub has claimed that he was offered a ministerial post during the 'Sheraton Move' as long as he quit Pakatan Harapan (PH).
The “Sheraton Move” got its name from the Sheraton hotel in Petaling Jaya, Selangor where several prominent factions within PH had a clandestine meeting with leaders of the then Opposition Barisan Nasional (BN) in February that subsequently led to the formation of a new government under Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin in March.
"During the Sheraton Move in 2020, I and several others were offered ministerial posts, provided that we switch our allegiance away from PH.
"However, we said no way. We would not betray the people’s trust and mandate that was given to us,” said Salahuddin in his speech at the PH mega rally in Taman Gaya here late last night.
He reminded those present of the importance of political integrity in light of the collapse of the PH federal government more than two years ago.
He said it was important to uphold the people’s mandate even if an offer was good for one to jump parties.
The Johor PH chief and former agriculture and agro-based industries minister claimed that he was approached to support Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s political bloc during the political crisis in early 2020.
At that time, several PH MPs from PKR, aligned with Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali, switched their support to the new political bloc that later formed the short-lived Perikatan Nasional (PN) ruling government.
Salahuddin, who is also the incumbent Pulai MP, said he would not betray the promise made to the voters in the 2018 national polls.
"Despite the collapse of the PH government, we never did jump from our parties as we are not frogs.
"I thank Allah that I am still with the people and am together with the same team that will be contesting in the 15th general election (GE15),” he said.
Earlier, Salahuddin pledged to defend his Pulai parliament seat against BN’s Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed and PN’s Loh Kah Yong.
He said the GE15 was a ‘do-or-die mission’ that will determine Malaysia’s future.
"PH needs to defend several parliament seats in Johor that are seen as important areas.
"We have to defend Pasir Gudang, Tebrau, Johor Baru, Pulai, Iskandar Puteri, and also win Pengerang and Tanjung Piai,” said Salahuddin.
He added that winning those seats will translate as PH winning the GE15.
