Bersatu to wait for law to run its course before further action over drug party issue, says Dr M

– Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR: Further action against Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia members involved in an alleged "drug-fuelled" party will only be taken after the law runs its course, says Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad (pic).

"There is no decision made on the Dengkil assemblyman (Adhif Syan Abdullah) except by the party (suspension).

"We have to wait for justice to take place (before taking further action). We cannot sentence or fine them before the court's decision. They are for now suspended from party posts," said the Bersatu chairman at a media conference after a monthly party supreme council meeting at Yayasan Al-Bukhary on Friday (Jan 17).

Selangor Bersatu Youth chief Adhif Syan Abdullah and other party members including four political aides from various ministries were arrested for an alleged drug offence last Sunday (Jan 12).

On another issue, Dr Mahathir said that Bersatu will not place a cap on how much party members could spend during campaigning for positions in the inaugural party polls.

"Most of our members are not so rich as Umno (members)," he said.

He added that the membership registry had been vetted and 363,167 members are eligible to vote.

Branch polls will begin on Feb 18 and division polls on April 18.

"189 divisions are eligible to take part in the Bersatu annual general meeting," said Dr Mahathir, adding that it would be held over three days from June 25-28.