PETALING JAYA: A Perak Bersatu assemblyman has challenged his party to sack him outright instead of merely suspending his membership, claiming the move reflected weaknesses within the party’s leadership.
Chenderoh assemblyman Syed Lukman Hakim Syed Mohd Zin, who was suspended for alleged disciplinary breaches, claimed the party’s disciplinary board decision process was not open, fair, or transparent.
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While accepting the decision, Syed Lukman Hakim said party grassroots members had the right to know why more leaders were being suspended or expelled from Bersatu.
“The question is simple. If I truly committed a serious offence, why was I only suspended and not sacked outright?
“This half-measure clearly shows that the party leadership itself is under pressure, lacks confidence and is becoming increasingly disorganised in managing the party,” reported Sinar Harian on Sunday (May 10).
Syed Lukman Hakim blamed the current crisis on the party’s top leadership, alleging that they had chosen to retain power and pursue personal political ambitions over safeguarding party stability.
He singled out Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin for trying to position himself as a prime minister candidate, when many party members yearn for a moderate and open approach in the current political climate.
According to Syed Lukman Hakim, dissatisfaction had grown at various levels within the party due to what he described as leadership focused on protecting its own position.
He also claimed grassroots members had raised concerns over the party’s annual general assembly, election process and internal management, which he alleged no longer reflected the true spirit of democracy.
“The party claims to be brave and firm, but in reality, it is only good at talking. If I am truly guilty and if Bersatu has dignity, I challenge the party to sack me outright instead of merely suspending me to cover up its own leadership weaknesses,” he said.
The former Perak Armada Bersatu chief said that he was not afraid of the suspension, saying positions could be taken away and memberships suspended, but “the voice of truth cannot be silenced forever”.
Syed Lukman Hakim also claimed Bersatu no longer listened to the voices of its members and instead punished those who dared to criticise the leadership.
On Friday, Bersatu announced disciplinary action against six party leaders, including the expulsion of two assemblymen and the suspension of four others with immediate effect.
According to notices issued by Bersatu disciplinary board chairman Datuk Mohd Radzi Manan, Suka Menanti assemblyman Dzowahir Ab Ghani and Sungai Tiang assemblyman Abdul Razak Khamis were expelled from the party.
Four leaders suspended for two party election terms were Syed Lukman Hakim, Tanah Merah MP Datuk Seri Ikmal Hisham Abdul Aziz, Rompin MP Datuk Khalib Abdullah and Lumut MP Nordin Ahmad Ismail.
