Malaysia's Bersatu Party Expels Top Leader Saifuddin for Violating Party Constitution
Malaysia's Bersatu Party Expels Top Leader Saifuddin for Violating Party Constitution
In a significant political move, Malaysia's Bersatu party expelled its top leader, Saifuddin, after the disciplinary committee found him in violation of the party constitution. The decision was made during a meeting held on Monday (January 5th), and the official notification was sent to Saifuddin on Tuesday (January 6th). Saifuddin confirmed receiving the letter in an interview with Oriental Daily News.
Saifuddin, who is also the Member of Parliament for the Indira Mahkota constituency in Pahang, stated that he intends to appeal the decision. The expulsion letter did not specify the exact nature of the violations but emphasized that Saifuddin had breached the party's charter.
Saifuddin has been a prominent figure in Malaysian politics, having served as the Minister of Communications and Multimedia under former Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin and later as the Minister of Foreign Affairs during the tenure of Ismail Sabri Yaakob. His political journey took a significant turn in February 2020 when he, along with ten other former PKR (People's Justice Party) MPs, joined Bersatu after leaving their previous party following the Sheraton Move.
The expulsion comes amid heightened internal conflicts within Bersatu. Saifuddin has been a staunch supporter of both Muhyiddin Yassin and Azmin Ali, who are key figures in the party. However, the internal power struggle escalated last year when Saifuddin joined six other district chiefs in calling for the resignation of the party's top leadership, including President Muhyiddin Yassin, Secretary-General Azmin Ali, and Information Chief Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah.
Saifuddin is not the first high-ranking member to face disciplinary action. Previously, former Supreme Council member Wong Shu Chuan was expelled in October last year, and former Deputy President Tan Sri Abdul Rashid Abdul Rahman had his membership suspended. The ongoing power struggle within Bersatu has led to widespread speculation about the party's future and stability.
The expulsion of Saifuddin is seen by many as a strategic move to consolidate power within the party ahead of potential leadership changes. It remains to be seen how this decision will impact the broader political landscape in Malaysia, especially with key elections on the horizon.