PETALING JAYA: A recently sacked Bersatu leader has hit out at Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin for abusing the disciplinary board to hold on to power.
In a statement on Sunday (Feb 8), Saifuddin Abdullah also said it was time for Muhyiddin to step down as Bersatu president.
Former Pahang Bersatu chief and MP Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah further questioned if the disciplinary board's actions were to cause a "slow death" for Muhyiddin's rival, Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin.
In recent weeks, the fallout between Muhyiddin and his deputy Hamzah has been out in the open, with both camps attacking each other.
Saifuddin claimed that “more and more” Bersatu members have voiced concerns about the party’s direction and Muhyiddin’s leadership, especially in preparation for GE16.
"Some are of the view -including myself - that since Tan Sri has lost his capability in terms of knowledge, skills, and leadership decorum, he should step down.
He further claimed that differences of opinion with the party have not been addressed through open debate, but through the disciplinary board without adhering to principles of justice.
"Many have been summoned. Many have been expelled,” he said.
He pointed out that the notice issued to Hamzah and its accusations were nearly identical to the narrative previously used against others who were involved before.
"Is the disciplinary board carrying out its responsibility as a disciplinary body, or is it being used as a weapon to suppress reasonable concerns and differing views within the party?
"This notice appears at a time when public attention - particularly among Malays - is focused on major national issues and the weaknesses of the current government.
"Is this a desperate attempt to destroy Hamzah through a slow death?
"Is this an attempt to instil fear in those who have concerns and differing views from Muhyiddin?
"In truth, it is they - the ones hiding behind these draconian actions of the disciplinary board - who are causing Bersatu to rot," said Saifuddin.
In November last year, Saifuddin was summoned by the Bersatu Disciplinary Board for an investigation into allegations of involvement in a movement to overthrow Muhyiddin.
He was sacked from the party on Jan 6.
