Bersatu sacks ex-division chief for contesting as independent

SHAH ALAM - Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) has expelled former Jerlun division chief in Kedah, Abdul Ramli, for contesting as an independent candidate in the Kota Siputeh state seat.

Bersatu secretary-general Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin said that Abdul's actions violated Article 10.2.4 of the party's constitution, which states that "a member shall not contest as an independent candidate in any election."

Hamzah stressed that Bersatu takes disciplinary violations seriously and will take stern action against anyone attempting to sabotage Perikatan Nasional (PN) candidates in the current state elections.

"Bersatu had previously expelled one party member from the Hulu Selangor Division and suspended the membership of two others for three years due to sabotage during the election campaign.

"As such, with five days remaining in the campaign period, all Bersatu members and machinery are called upon to fully focus and ensure victory for all PN candidates, whether contesting under the PN or PAS banner, to reflect the people's rejection of the Pakatan Harapan-Barisan Nasional government," he said in a statement today.

Bersatu also revealed a letter regarding Abdul's membership status in Bersatu, dated August 4.

According to the letter, Abdul's membership was immediately suspended based on the Bersatu Constitution due to his candidacy as an independent candidate in the state assembly constituency.

Previously, the media reported on the rejection of the PN candidate for the Kota Siputeh state assembly, Mohd Ashraf Mustaqim Badrul Munir, who was alleged to be an outsider or parachute candidate, believed to be the reason why Abdul decided to contest as an independent candidate in the state elections.

Abdul reportedly stated that he was prepared to be expelled from Bersatu following the action that was considered as violating the party's rules.