Bersatu AGM to focus on crisis management post defections

PETALING JAYA: The upcoming Bersatu annual assembly (AGM) this weekend will be a critical opportunity for the Opposition party to take stock of itself and cement loyalties that have been strained after four of its lawmakers went rogue, say analysts and leaders.

The four MPs – Kuala Kangsar, Labuan, Gua Musang and Jeli – had over the past month, announced that they were supporting the unity government in exchange for constituency development funds.

However, Bersatu leaders alleged that the four had been lured with promises of money by political operators working at the behest of the administration.

The four MPs have denied such allegations and have threatened to sue their critics.

Political scientist Prof Dr Sivamurugan Pandian said the party’s leadership was facing a crisis of political legitimacy as the four MPs pledged support to the Prime Minister who is not from their own party.

“Unity is important during a crisis and this convention can be used to renew support for the current leadership and endorse top leaders to take the necessary steps to keep the party going,” said Sivamurugan of Universiti Sains Malaysia.

He expects the party to also discuss the possibility of amending its constitution to prevent more MPs from following in the footsteps of Datuk Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid (Kuala Kangsar), Datuk Dr Suhaili Abdul Rahman (Labuan), Mohd Azizi Abu Naim (Gua Musang) and Zahari Kechik (Jeli).

The four, however, insist they remain loyal Bersatu members.

The MPs, except for Zahari, were suspended from the party for voicing their support to the Prime Minister.

However, only Suhaili, Mohd Azizi and Zahari requested to change seats in the Dewan Rakyat away from the opposition bloc raising questions about their continued membership in the party.

Legal experts have said that political parties must amend their constitutions to curb such behaviour from their lawmakers as the Anti-Hopping Law currently allows it.

Federal Territories Bersatu information chief Mahathir Mohd Rais said the AGM’s main focus would be to strengthen the party’s structure, principles and core values of prioritising religion, race, and nation.

This is while rejecting actions and ideas that emphasises personal gain, said Mahathir.

“It is a critical moment for the party as it faces a crisis due to the defection of several MPs. This assembly is a crucial platform to demonstrate the unity and strong support of the members towards the party leadership.

“The entire assembly is expected to be a turning point for Bersatu, not only in recovering from the crisis but also in rebuilding its strength for a more stable and harmonious political future in Malaysia,” he said.

The party’s assembly is scheduled to take place from Nov 23 to 25 in Shah Alam.

Another analyst, Prof Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi, however, believes that Bersatu is due for a leadership change as the party is currently in a situation similar to its rival after the 14th General Election where Umno lost power for the first time in history.

A week after Umno’s severe losses in the May 2018 national polls, then party president Datuk Seri Najib Razak resigned and handed over the reigns to Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Awang Azman, of Universiti Malaya, said Bersatu’s leadership must be prepared for such calls coming from the grassroots.

“If there are calls for a change of structure then the members should be given the opportunity to vote and decide who will be part of the party’s leadership,” said Awang Azman, who heads UM’s Centre for Democracy and Elections.

“Right now, there must be an effort to seek loyalty from the party leaders across the board which was done by Umno president (Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi after winning the party election) requesting for support from party members and leaders”.