Disputed Bersatu chairperson Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his allies, who are fighting back following an attempt by faction rivals to oust them from the party, are setting their sights not only on Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin but also six of his supporters.
Mahathir and his allies, in a joint statement, said Muhyiddin and six other MPs have breached party ethics and should face action.
"The action of Muhyiddin and six other MPs declaring that (Bersatu had) quit Harapan clearly goes against the party constitution as there is no decision by the supreme council to do so.
"Therefore, Muhyiddin and the six MPs had breached party ethics and should be referred to the disciplinary board," they said in a joint statement.
The statement was signed by Mahathir (Langkawi), Mukhriz Mahathir (Jerlun), Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman (Muar), Amiruddin Hamzah (Kubang Pasu) and Maszlee Malik (Simpang Renggam).
Bersatu, which is presently controlled by Muhyiddin's faction, had on May 28 issued letters to the five MP informing them that their membership had been nullified for sitting with the opposition during the Parliament sitting on May 18.
Mahathir and his allies did not name who are the six rival MPs that they are looking to initiate action against.
In the joint-statement, Mahathir and allies maintained that the nullification of their membership was void.
They were removed in accordance with Article 10.2.2 and Article 10.2.3 of the Bersatu constitution which states that a member loses his party membership by declaring the intention to quit or joining another party.
Mahathir and allies said refusing to endorse Muhyiddin's government is not tantamount to leaving Bersatu.
"We had never declared we were leaving the party nor have we joined any other political party in the country.
"Our choice not to support Muhyiddin's government or Perikatan Nasional does not mean leaving the party.
"Any statement, including from the prime minister, cannot alter the fact that we were unconstitutionally and illegally removed from the party with mala fide (in bad faith)," they added.
They reiterated Bersatu's founding principles outlined in Article 6 of the party constitution which is to strengthen the agenda against corruption and abuse of power as well as promoting good governance and integrity.
"No one can accuse us of doing anything that went against our party's agenda," they said, adding that the party abided by the rule of law.
They urged Bersatu members to hold true to the party's slogan of Bersatu, Beramanah dan Bermaruah (United, Trustworthy and Dignified).
"Hold on dearly to our promise to the people and do not abuse the power they have given us.
"The current government does not belong to the people. The legitimate government is Pakatan Harapan. Return the mandate of the people. Do not bow to Muhyiddin's self-interest."
They added that Bersatu belonged to members to stay true to the party's original struggle.
Muhyiddin was sworn in as the new prime minister on March 1 after Mahathir refused to lead a new coalition he put together comprising Bersatu, BN, PAS, GPS, PBS and STAR.
Muhyiddin had pulled Bersatu out of Harapan, leading to the collapse of the Harapan government that came to power in the 2018 general election.
Mahathir has indicated he plans to take Bersatu back to Harapan but at present, Muhyiddin appears to have the upper hand in the party. - Mkini
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