Bersatu Appeals Board Reviews Key Sacking Cases
The Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) appeals board has convened to hear the cases of two prominent MPs facing disciplinary action, Tasek Gelugor MP Wan Saiful Wan Jan and Machang MP Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal. Both lawmakers were subjected to dismissal and suspension from the party last October, following accusations of contravening the party’s constitution and its code of conduct.
The proceedings, overseen by the appeals board’s chairman, Azhar Harun, were described as proceeding without a hitch. According to Harun, who is also a former Dewan Rakyat speaker, both Wan Saiful and Wan Ahmad Fayhsal presented comprehensive arguments supporting their appeals. The board is now tasked with meticulously reviewing these submissions. A decision will subsequently be made, which may either conclude the matter without further deliberation or necessitate summoning the appellants for additional hearings.
Harun indicated that a resolution is expected in due course, as the appeals board has a backlog of seven other appeals that also require thorough examination. This indicates a significant volume of internal disciplinary matters being addressed by the party.
Wider Disciplinary Actions Within Bersatu
The recent appeals are part of a broader disciplinary crackdown within Bersatu that has seen several other high-profile members expelled or suspended. In October, the party’s disciplinary board also took action against four division chiefs: Azrudin Idris (Hang Tuah Jaya), Faizal Asmar (Pengerang), Fadhli Ismail (Ipoh Timur), and Isa Saidi (Ampang).
These expulsions were reportedly linked to allegations that this group was involved in a “statutory declaration movement.” The objective of this alleged movement was purportedly to destabilise the leadership of Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin. Furthermore, they were also implicated in a commotion that reportedly occurred during an official party event.
Former Minister’s Sacking and Internal Dissent
Another significant disciplinary action saw Bersatu Supreme Council member Saifuddin Abdullah expelled from the party last month. Concurrently, he was also removed from his position as the Pahang Perikatan Nasional chief.
Saifuddin’s dismissal followed his vocal calls for Muhyiddin Yassin, who was then both the Bersatu president and the Perikatan Nasional chairman, to step down from his leadership roles. Saifuddin publicly asserted that Muhyiddin had “lost his leadership quality.” His critique extended to other senior party figures, including Azmin Ali and Tun Faisal Ismail Aziz, whom he also suggested should consider their positions.
Adding to the controversy, Saifuddin also urged Muhyiddin to provide a clear explanation regarding the whereabouts of his son-in-law, fugitive businessman Adlan Berhan. This call came in the wake of circulated images depicting Adlan living a life of apparent luxury abroad, raising questions about his status and activities. The internal dissent and subsequent disciplinary actions highlight a period of significant introspection and restructuring within Bersatu’s ranks.
