KUALA LUMPUR — The formation of a new political party is a sign that the General Election (GE) is fast approaching, said Barisan Nasional secretary-general Annuar Musa.

"The growth of many political parties, means the GE is getting closer. The struggle goes hand-in-hand with one's intention.

"Many political parties were also formed to defend the legacy and ego of individuals, not least to protect a dynasty and family.

"The rakyat (citizens) are just liners and making up the numbers"," he said in a Twitter post on Sunday (Aug 9) in reference to the formation of a new party by Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

The former premier had two day ago announced a new Malay-based party that would not align itself with neither Perikatan Nasional nor Pakatan Harapan.

He said the basis of the "independent" party was to eliminate corruption and kleptocracy.

Meanwhile, 23 committee members of the Klang Bersatu Division, led by its chief Syed Abdillah Syed Abd Aziz, had quit the party and expressed support for the new party formed by Dr Mahathir.

"We also decided to dissolve the Klang Bersatu Division. We have lost confidence in the leadership of Bersatu," Mr Syed Abdillah said.

Mr Syed Abdillah said 10 branches of Klang Bersatu Division involving more than 2,800 members were also automatically dissolved.

In a separate press conference in Kuala Selangor, Jeram assemblyman Mohd Shaid Rosli, who is also Kuala Selangor Bersatu Division chief Mohd Shaid Rosli also announced that he had left the party to become an independent. NEW STRAITS TIMES