Saifuddin claims over 19 Bersatu MPs oppose Muhyiddin's crackdown

 

A letter with the signatures of 16 Bersatu MPs surfaced yesterday, opposing disciplinary action taken against three of their comrades, including Bersatu deputy president Hamzah Zainudin.

However, Indera Mahkota MP Saifuddin Abdullah claimed today that there are actually more than 19 MPs on their side.

Explaining his arithmetic, Saifuddin said the 19 were the 16 signatories of the letter, plus Hamzah, Tasek Gelugor MP Wan Saiful Wan Jan, who was sacked from the party, and Machang MP Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal, who was suspended.

As for the additional potential support, he implied this may include two Bersatu vice-presidents, Putrajaya MP Radzi Jidin and Beluran MP Ronald Kiandee.

“We intentionally did not approach the two vice-presidents. So what does this mean? It means that of the 25 (Bersatu) MPs, at least 19 don’t support what’s going on, and there may be more than 19,” he said when met after a roadshow opposing party president Muhyiddin Yassin in Ampang today.

In the letter which circulated yesterday, the MPs objected to Wan Saiful’s sacking and Wan Fayhsal’s suspension.

Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal (left) and Wan Saiful Wan Jan

They also objected to Hamzah being summoned by the disciplinary board. Hamzah is reported to have declined the summons.

The letter was signed by:

1. Saifuddin

2. Khlir Nordan (Ketereh)

3. Islahuddin Abas (Mersing)

4. Fathul Huzir Ayob (Gerik)

5. Ku Abd Rahman Ku Ismail (Kubang Pasu)

6. Ikmal Hisham Abdul Aziz (Tanah Merah)

7. Abdul Khalib Abdullah (Rompin)

8. Nordin Ahmad Ismail (Lumut)

9. Zakri Hassan (Kangar)

10. Rosol Wahid (Hulu Terengganu)

11. Muslimin Yahaya (Sungai Besar)

12. Mas Ermieyati Samsudin (Masjid Tanah)

13. Roslan Hashim (Kulim Bandar Baharu)

14. Azahari Hasan (Padang Rengas)

15. Kalam Salan (Sabak Bernam)

16. Nazri Abu Hassan (Merbok).

‘Muhyiddin himself was a dissident’

Commenting on his own push for Muhyiddin to step down, Saifuddin reminded the party president of his own past actions.

Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin

“Asking the president to resign is not against the (party) constitution. In the Federal Constitution, freedom of speech is enshrined, and Muhyiddin himself asked Pak Lah (Abdullah Ahmad Badawi) to resign (as Umno president), so what is the problem?” he asked.

Muhyiddin is credited as one of the key leaders who pressured Abdullah to resign as Umno president and prime minister in 2009.

Later, he would also turn against Abdullah’s successor, Najib Abdul Razak, at the height of the 1MDB scandal. - Mkini