State polls: PN will take action on members sabotaging party

KOTA BHARU - Perikatan Nasional (PN) will take action on those in its component parties becoming independent candidates, supporters of other candidates and those chosen, but sabotaging the coalition in the state elections on Aug 12.

PN secretary-general Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin said those proven to break party rules would be sacked or have their membership suspended based on the constitution.

He said he was gathering nationwide information to observe those involved, before making the announcement within a day or two.

"Many among them were not only becoming independent candidates, but were supporting other candidates throughout the nation. That's why there will be a thorough review that would take a day or two to identify the total number of people involved.

"We will observe all candidates that were decided to contest in this election whether they were aiding or becoming independent candidates or performing something that would hinder to a candidate's victory," he said in a press conference after the Kok Lanas State Assembly talk here on Tuesday.

Also present was former Ketereh MP Tan Sri Annuar Musa.

Hamzah said disciplinary actions would be taken not only for Bersatu members, but those from Pas and Parti Gerakan Rakyat Malaysia (Gerakan) under the coalition.

The Bersatu secretary-general followed clause 10.2.4 of the Bersatu Constitution any members acting without the party's permission by contesting, becoming a proponent or supporter of other parties or independent candidates would have their membership terminated immediately.

"Their membership would be suspended for three years for going against Clause 10.2.2 of the same constitution for instigating, boycotting and sabotaging PN's election campaigns.

"So, let us act on it completely. If we did not, some would say we are biased when actions are taken and some had got off from any punishment," he said.

On Saturday, a Bersatu member was sacked while two others had their membership suspended after contesting as an independent candidate and boycotting PN's campaigns

On the candidate nomination day, Kuang Assemblyman incumbent Sallehudin Amiruddin surprised everyone when he contested as an independent candidate.

Salehuddin was previously a Bersatu candidate that won the seat under PKR's ticket on the 14th general election (GE14).

Jerlun Bersatu chief Abdul Ramli also contested as an independent candidate in a three-corner clash with PN candidate Mohd Ashraf Mustaqim Badrul Munir and its incumbent Dr Salmee Said from Pakatan Harapan (PH).