KUALA LUMPUR: Speculation is rife that Bersatu deputy president Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin is expected to be expelled from the party in the near future.
Sources told Berita Harian that calls for strict action against the Larut member of parliament, who is also the opposition leader in the Dewan Rakyat, were raised by numerous party leaders during a dialogue session with Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin here on Friday.
Sources within the party top leadership told BH that many party leaders agreed that Hamzah should face expulsion.
"Many agree that action should be taken against Datuk Seri Hamzah. Many agree he should be expelled… just wait a little longer, the pressure from the grassroots has already started," said the source.
Another source who attended the dialogue with Muhyiddin claimed that the former prime minister had lost patience with the "disruptions" allegedly orchestrated by Hamzah.
"During yesterday's (Friday) session, it was clear that Tan Sri Muhyiddin had lost his patience and was angered by what Datuk Seri Hamzah had done, including remaining silent while the president faced repeated attacks.
"Tan Sri Muhyiddin openly stated that any leader causing trouble would face action."
The source added that Muhyiddin, who is also Pagoh MP, wants Bersatu to be rebuilt on a spirit of unity without sabotage from any party leaders.
Meanwhile, Negri Sembilan Bersatu leadership council chief Mohamad Hanifah Abu Baker claimed that party grassroots members were upset with Hamzah, who was seen as failing to carry out his duties as deputy president by defending Muhyiddin.
When asked if Hamzah would be expelled, the Labu assemblyman acknowledged that there were currently calls for such action.
"Party members are rational and can judge for themselves.
"They are very angry because the deputy president's role is supposed to be to support the president, including when the top leadership is under continuous attacks, yet Datuk Seri Hamzah made no effort.
"I would prefer that any party leader unable to follow the constitution step aside and allow the party to be managed by those who can," he said.
Meanwhile, Berita Harian's attempts to contact Hamzah and his aides for comment were unsuccessful as they did not respond.
It was reported that Bersatu secretary-general Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali said a special meeting of the party's supreme council is scheduled to take place at Muhyiddin's residence today.
The meeting comes amid escalating leadership tensions in Bersatu, with growing calls for Muhyiddin to resign as party president, followed by counter-demands for Hamzah to step down from his deputy post.
The internal conflict within Bersatu intensified after Muhyiddin resigned as PN chairman, opening the door for a clear power struggle between two main factions. NST
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