'It's already 6pm for me', Rais says over his decision to quit politics
N Faizal Ghazali
Published: Apr 22, 2026 4:01 PM
Updated: 6:01 PM
INTERVIEW | After resigning from all party posts in February this year, veteran politician Rais Yatim officially quit Bersatu effective April 15.
This was confirmed by the former Jelebu MP to Malaysiakini, who said he made the decision to focus more on NGO activities with former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
Rais said he has also declined an invitation to return to Umno.
"As I have quit as a Bersatu member, there were some friends who invited me to rejoin Umno.
"But I told them that I have the Umno spirit of 1946. So, to return to the party now, I don't think so," he said when met by Malaysiakini in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.
Rais, who is also a former minister, said it was time to make way for the younger generation.
"I’m working together with Mahathir, and we are now active in NGO work. As for political parties, the others can handle it. That’s my answer.
“After all, for us it’s already ‘6pm’. For all of you, it’s only 12 noon. Go ahead, there’s nothing to worry about,” Rais said.
More MPs back Hamzah
Touching on Bersatu, Rais said he expects Bersatu to face a difficult path ahead as a large number of its MPs have sided with former Bersatu deputy president, Hamzah Zainudin.
"I think Bersatu will struggle to survive compared to Hamzah’s camp, which is backed by the majority of MPs,” said the former Negeri Sembilan menteri besar.
Published: Apr 22, 2026 4:01 PM
Updated: 6:01 PM
INTERVIEW | After resigning from all party posts in February this year, veteran politician Rais Yatim officially quit Bersatu effective April 15.
This was confirmed by the former Jelebu MP to Malaysiakini, who said he made the decision to focus more on NGO activities with former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
Rais said he has also declined an invitation to return to Umno.
"As I have quit as a Bersatu member, there were some friends who invited me to rejoin Umno.
"But I told them that I have the Umno spirit of 1946. So, to return to the party now, I don't think so," he said when met by Malaysiakini in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.
Rais, who is also a former minister, said it was time to make way for the younger generation.
"I’m working together with Mahathir, and we are now active in NGO work. As for political parties, the others can handle it. That’s my answer.
“After all, for us it’s already ‘6pm’. For all of you, it’s only 12 noon. Go ahead, there’s nothing to worry about,” Rais said.
More MPs back Hamzah
Touching on Bersatu, Rais said he expects Bersatu to face a difficult path ahead as a large number of its MPs have sided with former Bersatu deputy president, Hamzah Zainudin.
"I think Bersatu will struggle to survive compared to Hamzah’s camp, which is backed by the majority of MPs,” said the former Negeri Sembilan menteri besar.
Hamzah Zainudin
Last month, the former Dewan Negara president reportedly expressed his disappointment with Bersatu, saying the party no longer deserves to be called a "unity" party as it does not reflect reality.
“Everything in Bersatu has fallen apart, except its name,” he was quoted as saying.
ALSO READ: Ex-MB: N Sembilan chieftains sacking of ruler valid, but amicable solution needed
Bersatu recently saw a power struggle between its president Muhyiddin Yassin and Hamzah, which caused an internal crisis that ended with a series of expulsions of party leaders - including Hamzah.
Last month, the former Dewan Negara president reportedly expressed his disappointment with Bersatu, saying the party no longer deserves to be called a "unity" party as it does not reflect reality.
“Everything in Bersatu has fallen apart, except its name,” he was quoted as saying.
ALSO READ: Ex-MB: N Sembilan chieftains sacking of ruler valid, but amicable solution needed
Bersatu recently saw a power struggle between its president Muhyiddin Yassin and Hamzah, which caused an internal crisis that ended with a series of expulsions of party leaders - including Hamzah.
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Never did like him
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