KOTA KINABALU: Six United Sabah National Organisation (Usno) members have been suspended from the party amid internal rift, said Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia.
The Usno president said those suspended are Usno deputy president I Ibrahim Linggam, Ahmad Kanajaan, Hussin Ibnu Hassan, Mohammad Hafeiz Hussin, Sazali Justi and Sallehudin Kasau.
He said the temporary suspensions are to make way for an investigation by the central disciplinary board into alleged breaches of discipline and the party constitution.
Pandikar said the suspension of the six was based on Clause 49.10 of the party constitution, where the president has power to suspend any member deemed to be affecting the stability of the party, especially in situations of internal conflict that could lead to division.
He said the move was important to prevent the party from descending into chaos and to ensure that investigations are carried out in an orderly manner.
“Those involved would be called to provide explanations,” he said in a press conference on Tuesday (May 5) night, adding that several members previously appointed to the supreme council (AMT) for the 2025-2028 term were also removed.
They are Abdul Lalih Abah, Masjidin Datu Moksan, Dayang Norasiken Nonoi, Jamri Sabu, Rusulan Rahaban and Edmund J. Doudilim.
Pandikar said the decision to revoke the appointments was made following the actions of those who allegedly disagreed and affected the stability of the party at a time when the internal crisis was at its peak.
He said all office bearers have a responsibility to maintain party unity and not act in ways that cause division and this action was needed for the stability of the party.
"The AMT structure would be reorganised to ensure the party leadership continues to function effectively and any further action against those involved would be determined after the central disciplinary board submits its full report,” he said.
On Monday, Ibrahim, along with Usno deputy presidents, vice-presidents and a majority of AMT members, said they rejected Pandikar’s move to pull out of the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition, calling it a rushed and uninformed decision.
Pandikar, who confirmed to have exited GRS and resigned from all government posts on April 22, denied the action was hasty, saying it was made based on clear provisions in the party constitution.
He said all parties should use internal channels to voice their opinions as many of such opportunities were given through meetings, which some chose not to attend.
He said making open statements affected the party’s image and strength, therefore making firm actions against such actions necessary.
