We must stick to ‘top 5’ candidate rule, says Bersatu leader

 

Party sources previously told FMT that Bersatu’s defeat in the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election had sparked discussions on a change in candidacy requirements for its top five positions. (Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA: A Bersatu Supreme Council member has opposed a proposed revision to candidacy requirements for the party’s top five positions, saying changes should not be arbitrarily made to suit certain individuals.

Rafiq Abdullah said the existing requirements must be adhered to unless the party’s leadership decides otherwise.

On Tuesday, FMT quoted party sources as saying that Bersatu’s defeat in the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election had sparked discussions on a change in candidacy requirements for its top five positions.

The Bersatu constitution states that only those who have been on the Supreme Council for at least two terms are allowed to contest the top five posts.

However, party insiders who spoke to FMT said the grassroots were challenging this rule in a bid to ensure Bersatu’s continuity ahead of the 16th general election.

Bersatu is led by party president Muhyiddin Yassin, with Ahmad Faizal Azumu as his deputy. Radzi Jidin and Ronald Kiandee are vice-presidents while a third vice-president, Rafiq Naizamohideen, left the party in October 2022.

Rafiq Abdullah said members would have to comply with the existing rules.

“No matter how popular you are, if you do not meet the requirements, you have to accept it. Be patient because there is still time.

“In my view, we must adhere to the party’s constitution. It is not to be violated. Many who are eager do not yet meet the requirement of having completed two terms as Supreme Council members,” the Kuang assemblyman added.

“To be in the top five, a person must have served for a credible duration before he can be elevated to such high positions.”

Rafiq Abdullah added however that Bersatu members who do not meet the two-term requirement but wish to contest the top five positions can seek special permission, as Kiandee had done four years ago.

“Kiandee was granted special permission to contest the vice-president post, representing Sabah, even though he had not completed two terms,” he said, noting that the party had only established a presence in Sabah in April 2019.

“Bersatu’s constitution allows that, but we cannot arbitrarily change it for certain individuals’ interests.”

On claims that some Bersatu leaders had travelled around the country to “campaign” for their team ahead of the party polls, Rafiq Abdullah said this was a common practice.

“There needs to be a strategy, just like preparing for a general election where you form your own team.

“However, in the end, we still contest as one big Bersatu family,” he said.

Bersatu is expected to hold elections for its Supreme Council and division leaders this year after having postponed its polls for 18 months. - FMT