ROS approves changes to Bersatu constitution

PETALING JAYA: The proposed amendments to Bersatu’s constitution have been approved by the Registrar of Societies (ROS).

In a letter dated April 2 sighted by The Star, ROS gave the nod to amendments concerning the revocation of membership of elected representatives who go against the party’s stand.

According to the letter, the amendments came into effect on Monday (April 1), which means it is unlikely that by-elections will be triggered despite the approval.

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“It is our pleasure to include the approval of the ROS on the application to amend the registered law for your party as marked (below).

“Partial Amendment Permission No. Ref. PPM-007-14-08092016 Vol. 5 (30) (X) of the Law Under Section 11,” read the letter addressed to party secretary-general Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin.

“Please draw your attention to Section 11 of the Societies Act 1966 which provides that every application for amendment of the law must be submitted to ROS within 60 days from the date of the decision to make the amendment.”

The ROS also reminded Bersatu to comply with Section 11 of the Act should it plan to make other amendments in the future, or these will not be considered and action may be taken against its office-bearers.

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“Failure to comply is an offence under Section 11(2) of the Act and if convicted, each office holder of the organisation may be fined not exceeding RM3,000,” it added.

On March 11, Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and Hamzah submitted the amendments to the ROS.

During a special general assembly on March 2, Bersatu approved the amendments which allow the party to automatically revoke the membership of MPs and state assemblymen who support other parties.

The amendments involved Clause 10 of the party constitution relating to the termination of membership and expulsion of members.

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They were made after six Bersatu MPs declared their support for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

They are Datuk Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal (Bukit Gantang), Mohd Azizi Abu Naim (Gua Musang), Datuk Zulkafperi Hanapi (Tanjong Karang), Zahari Kechik (Jeli), Datuk Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid (Kuala Kangsar) and Datuk Suhaili Abdul Rahman (Labuan).

On March 7, the party’s Selat Klang state assemblyman Datuk Abdul Rashid Asari pledged his support for Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari.

Muhyiddin had said the party would enforce the amendments as soon as approval was obtained from ROS.