PETALING JAYA: Turmoil continues to reign within Bersatu, with more divisions and associate wings announcing plans to dissolve following the expulsion of deputy president Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin.
While the Lembah Pantai and Larut divisions have immediately dissolved, the Kepala Batas division has also agreed to dissolve.
Division chief Khaliq Mehtab Mohd Ishaq said the division’s committee felt the party had strayed from its original struggle and objectives.
“The Kepala Batas division committee will be dissolved. I am also ready to be sacked at any time. We feel Bersatu is no longer a suitable platform for our political struggle,” he said yesterday.
Last Friday, Bersatu sacked 17 members, including several supreme council members, comprising several MPs and state assemblymen, including Opposition Leader Hamzah.
The Federal Territories associate wing has also announced its dissolution, citing a loss of confidence in party president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and the party’s leadership.
Former wing chief Datuk Simon Suresh V. described Hamzah’s dismissal as unjust and questionable, saying he strongly disagreed with the way Muhyiddin and the disciplinary board handled the matter.
“The process shows political insecurity and an inability to manage internal dissent through democratic means,” he said.
“We declare our unwavering support for Hamzah and announce our unanimous resignation from the party and all positions.
A substantial number of divisions in Johor, Sabah, Selangor, Pahang and Perak are expected to follow suit.
“Keep a close eye on what is happening in Bersatu. More divisions will be dissolved, signalling a protest against the party leadership,” claimed a source.
Khaliq said their disappointment stemmed from what they described as weak party management and internal issues that were not handled professionally.
“Certain actions by individuals, the friction with PAS and statements that created tension have affected party harmony.
“Bersatu’s relationship with PAS is important.
“Statements that hurt the sentiments of component partners can damage this relationship,” he said.
In a letter dated Jan 29, several Labuan division pro-tem committee members announced their resignations because their appointments had yet to be formally recognised.
They withdrew support for the division’s pro-tem chief, Wahab Zainal.
Meanwhile, legal and constitutional expert Assoc Prof Dr Khairil Azmin Mokhtar said a parliamentary seat does not become vacant if an MP is expelled from their party or if their party is dissolved.
“On this matter, we always refer to Article 49(A) to determine if there is any casual vacancy. If they are expelled from the party, it does not trigger a by-election,” he said.
