Kiandee, Mas Ermieyati suspensions a tactical move against Hamzah’s camp, says analyst

 Syaza Shukri points out that Bersatu risked losing the Beluran and Masjid Tanah seats, under the anti-party hopping law, if the two leaders were sacked.

Bersatu suspended its vice-president Ronald Kiandee and Wanita chief Mas Ermieyati Samsudin for violating the party’s constitution and code of conduct.

PETALING JAYA:

 Bersatu’s suspension of its vice-president Ronald Kiandee and Wanita chief Mas Ermieyati Samsudin was likely a tactical move to avoid losing parliamentary seats while weakening the camp of former deputy president Hamzah Zainudin, says an analyst.

Syaza Shukri of International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) pointed out Bersatu risked losing the Beluran and Masjid Tanah seats, under the anti-party hopping law, if it decided to expel the duo.

“If expelled, such MPs would be free to retain their seats. That would be a loss for Bersatu as it would make it easier for them to join a new party led by Hamzah.

“In this way, they are punished without giving Hamzah the added support to form a new party. However, in my view, the move ultimately weakens Bersatu because it involves senior leadership figures,” she said.

Syaza also claimed party president Muhyiddin Yassin appeared willing to “sacrifice” Bersatu’s strength to safeguard his own position by retaining only loyal supporters in the leadership lineup.

On Monday, Hamzah challenged Bersatu to sack other leaders and members who are openly aligned with him, including 13 of the party’s 19 remaining MPs.

The following day, Bersatu suspended Kiandee and Mas Ermieyati for violating the party’s constitution and code of conduct.

Kiandee, who is also Bersatu chief whip, and Mas Ermieyati shared their suspension notices from the party’s disciplinary board, which stated they would be suspended for two Bersatu election cycles.

They were also immediately stripped of all positions and not permitted to make any statements on behalf of the party until the suspension ends.

Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin suggested that the party spared Kiandee from expulsion as his actions were less serious than those of Hamzah, who was axed on Feb 13.

Muhyiddin said although Kiandee was present at a meeting with Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi in Bangkok, Thailand, Hamzah had allegedly led negotiations to form a new political configuration without approval from the party’s top leadership.

Meanwhile, Mazlan Ali of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia described Kiandee’s suspension as surprising and potentially detrimental to Bersatu, noting that he is a moderate leader and a key source of the party’s strength, particularly in Sabah.

“The public will see this as a form of pressure by Muhyiddin against his opponents within the party,” he said, adding that the move could backfire as Kiandee, who has many supporters, may attract sympathy and ultimately give Hamzah a political advantage.

Mazlan said the suspension would also do little to benefit Bersatu in the long run, as it only highlights the deepening cracks and internal divisions within the party. - FMT