Bersatu defends sacking, says action based on evidence

 Its information chief says the party’s disciplinary board acted ‘professionally, independently and fairly’.

Bersatu information chief Tun Faisal Ismail Aziz said some Bersatu members who were recently sacked or suspended had openly opposed party decisions and attacked its leaders. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA:

Bersatu has defended its recent disciplinary actions, saying members who were sacked or suspended were investigated based on complaints supported by “photographic evidence, videos or witness statements”.

Bersatu information chief Tun Faisal Ismail Aziz said the party’s disciplinary board acted professionally, independently and fairly – regardless of a member’s position in the party.

“Every party member who had a complaint lodged against him was given the opportunity to defend himself and explain why disciplinary action should not be taken,” he said in a statement.

He was responding to PAS assemblyman Tengku Fakhruddin Fauzi, who claimed Bersatu leaders were being “slaughtered one by one” to preserve power.

He also said that if the situation continues, Bersatu may be better off leaving Perikatan Nasional (PN).

Bersatu yesterday sacked Kelantan deputy speaker Farid Zawawi and Bersatu Youth exco member Wan Meor Safwat Naqiuddin Shamsuddin. It also suspended Mersing MP Islahuddin Abas and Bukit Bunga assemblyman Almidi Jaafar for two terms.

Tun Faisal said not all those accused of wrongdoing were sacked, noting that some were suspended while others were issued warnings.

“The offences and severity of misconduct varied,” he said.

He said complaints received involved alleged breaches of the party constitution and code of ethics, including openly opposing party decisions, attacking party leaders and institutions on social media, and issuing statements that tarnished the party’s image.

“Would you protect those involved in bribery and attempted bribery, those conducting unauthorised negotiations that betray the party’s interests, or those who violated pledges?” he asked.

He added that Bersatu’s disciplinary process took longer than Umno or PKR because investigations were carried out by the disciplinary board, whereas in Umno and PKR, suspensions and expulsions are decided directly by top leadership councils.

Disciplinary board chairman Radzi Manan said those affected were sacked or suspended for contravening the party constitution and its code of conduct and ethics. They may file an appeal within two weeks.

Deputy youth chief Faiz Rahmad, Kedah deputy speaker and Sungai Tiang assemblyman Abdul Razak Khamis, and Suka Menanti assemblyman Dzowahir Ab Ghani were sacked last week.

Seven others were also suspended: Perak assemblymen Ahmad Man (Kuala Sepetang) and Syed Lukman Hakim Syed Zin (Chenderoh), Perak MP Nordin Ahmad Ismail (Lumut), Pahang MP Khalib Abdullah (Rompin), Kelantan MPs Ikmal Hisham Abdul Aziz (Tanah Merah) and Khlir Nor (Ketereh), and Terengganu MP Rosol Wahid (Hulu Terengganu). - FMT