‘Noisy leaders’ put Bersatu’s integrity at risk, says Tun Faisal

Bersatu leader Tun Faisal Ismail Aziz acknowledged that the internal turmoil has affected the party’s preparations for the Sabah elections next month. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: Bersatu’s disciplinary action against some leaders had to be done to safeguard the party’s image, says information chief Tun Faisal Ismail Aziz.

He said the party had initially intended to resolve the conflict internally, but plans changed when some of those facing disciplinary action began making numerous accusations that tarnished the party’s image.

“The group causing unrest within the party is small, but they’re making a lot of noise.

“Whether we like it or not, the matter must be addressed because some of the allegations made are untrue and damaging to the party’s reputation,” he said in an interview with Sinar Harian.

Among the allegations was that the party’s top leadership were using their power to protect a “feudal system of patronage politics” and silencing differing opinions within the party.

Bersatu expelled Supreme Council member Wan Saiful Wan Jan and suspended fellow council member Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal on Oct 14 for violating the party’s constitution and code of conduct.

The disciplinary board also expelled four division chiefs – Azrudin Idris (Hang Tuah Jaya), Faizal Asmar (Pengerang), Fadhli Ismail (Ipoh Timur) and Isa Saidi (Ampang).

Three more Bersatu division chiefs, Abdul Razak Khamis (Pendang); Suhaimi Ghazali (Sepang); and Shukor Mustafa (Puchong), were reportedly summoned by the party’s disciplinary board.

Tun Faisal acknowledged that the internal turmoil has affected the party’s preparations for the upcoming Sabah election but said the leadership is handling the situation wisely and with prudence to ensure the issues are resolved promptly.

Hamzah the better-liked leader

In a separate interview, Wan Fayhsal, who is Machang MP, said Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin has a personality that made him unapproachable.

He said Muhyiddin’s demeanour has led many grassroots leaders to feel more comfortable with deputy president Hamzah Zainudin.

“Muhyiddin doesn’t even know all of Bersatu’s division chiefs across Malaysia, unlike Hamzah. I can assure you that if there were a one-on-one contest between the two for the presidency, Muhyiddin could lose,” Sinar Harian quoted him as saying.

However, no one in the party harbours hatred towards Muhyiddin, he said.

Wan Fayhsal said Hamzah, who is Larut MP, is also well-liked among PAS leaders and members due to his approachable and personable nature.

Not just Azmin helped make Muhyiddin PM

Moving on to Bersatu secretary-general Azmin Ali, Wan Fayhsal admitted there is a perception that Azmin is seen as being closer to Muhyiddin than Hamzah.

When questioned on whether Muhyiddin had shown favouritism towards Azmin in return for his role in the Sheraton Move, Wan Fayhsal responded with a pointed reminder.

“I want to remind all Bersatu members and Malaysians that the PN government was not formed solely because of the support of Azmin and other PKR members who defected.

“In fact, the key figure who helped secure the majority that enabled Muhyiddin to become prime minister was Hamzah,” he said.