PETALING JAYA: PAS should not interfere in Bersatu’s internal matters, says the Bersatu political bureau.
Bersatu stated that the sacking of its deputy president Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin and other leaders last February was affirmed as “constitutional” by the Registrar of Societies and PAS had no say in it.
In a lengthy statement on Sunday (May 24), the Bersatu political bureau addressed each allegation raised by PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang on May 22.
Among the allegations was that Bersatu’s sacking of its leaders and members last February had disrupted the administration of the Kedah and Kelantan state governments.
Abdul Hadi had alleged that Bersatu was proposing reshuffles involving state executive council (exco) members and Deputy Speakers of the state legislative assemblies.
However, Bersatu has refuted this accusation, describing it as “entirely baseless”.
“Every political party has ethical and disciplinary procedures that its members must follow. The exco members and Deputy Speakers held their positions in their capacity as Bersatu members.
“When the Bersatu Disciplinary Board took disciplinary action and they were no longer party members, Bersatu submitted replacement names.
“It is common practice for reshuffles to occur when party members holding government positions face disciplinary action from their party.
“The Disciplinary Board acted against party members based on evidence and complaints received, after conducting hearings, investigations, and making decisions under Clause 22.5 of the party constitution.
“This is a disciplinary matter that all party members must comply with.
The ROS, through a letter dated May 7, informed Bersatu of the results of its investigation into issues related to actions taken by the Disciplinary Board.
“ROS confirmed that Bersatu had acted in accordance with the party constitution and was satisfied with the actions and decisions taken by Bersatu.
“In fact, disciplinary action carried out according to the party constitution is an important mechanism in any party to ensure stability and integrity, especially when facing crises that could divide the party.
“Therefore, PAS, as a component party within Perikatan (Nasional), should respect and not interfere in the internal affairs of other component parties regarding disciplinary matters and actions taken to stabilise the party.
“Moreover, ROS has confirmed that Bersatu’s actions against its elected representatives were constitutional,” said the bureau.
The statement from Bersatu on Sunday is the first from the party leadership that addressed Abdul Hadi’s allegations, which came at the tail of a strained relationship between Bersatu and PAS over the last few months.
On May 22, Abdul Hadi said that PAS will review its cooperation with Bersatu in Perikatan as the latter had allegedly not kept its promises and had allegedly stopped other political parties from joining Perikatan, affecting the coalition’s expansion.
“Bersatu also sacked Kedah state exco members and the Kelantan state assembly deputy speaker Datuk Mohamed Farid Mohamed Zawawi when the party booted out leaders from the party. Bersatu then asked us to replace them.
“To us, they have not done any wrong in their positions in the state,” said Abdul Hadi on May 22.
Meanwhile, PAS has yet to make a final decision to not work with Bersatu although the central committee held an emergency meeting earlier today.
