Bersatu has offered a sarcastic welcome to an invitation from Umno for former members to join its ranks through the Rumah Bangsa initiative.
The party expressed hope that those expelled from its fold might undergo a change of character under Umno’s wing rather than continue to violate party regulations.
Information chief Tun Faisal Ismail Aziz remarked that the invitation extended by Umno secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki is a preferable alternative to allowing expelled members to remain without a political home.
He noted that providing a platform for these individuals is better than seeing them form new parties that could further fragment the Malay and Muslim communities.
Tun Faisal stated that Umno is welcome to accept disciplined Bersatu members without any “transfer fee.” He added that perhaps these individuals require a party environment that permits them to breach regulations and disparage leadership on a daily basis.
Contrasting disciplinary procedures
Following a recent internal purge where several leaders were dismissed or suspended, Umno launched the Rumah Bangsa initiative.
Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki stated that the party is prepared to accept any individual without conditions, including those removed from Bersatu, in an effort to unite the community.
However, Tun Faisal emphasized that the Bersatu disciplinary board operates with complete independence.
He asserted that its decisions are made without influence from the party president or the Supreme Council. According to him, the board’s rulings are final and can only be challenged through a formal Appeals Board.
He drew a sharp contrast between Bersatu’s methods and those of other major parties. He noted that the expulsions of high-profile figures such as Muhyiddin Yassin and Khairy Jamaluddin from Umno, as well as the sacking of Mohamed Azmin Ali from PKR, were decided by supreme or central leadership councils rather than independent disciplinary bodies.
Due process and evidence
The information chief maintained that the Bersatu disciplinary board performs its duties professionally and fairly. He explained that actions against members who violate the party constitution or code of ethics are typically supported by physical evidence, such as photographs and videos, alongside witness statements.
Members facing disciplinary action are granted the opportunity to defend themselves and present their own evidence or witnesses.
Tun Faisal observed that those who choose not to mount a defense often do so because they recognize the strength of the case and the evidence held against them.
The recent disciplinary wave saw the dismissal of two Kedah state assemblymen, Abdul Razak Khamis and Dzowahir Ab Ghani, while seven other elected representatives were handed suspensions lasting two party election terms.
Tun Faisal concluded that the board’s adherence to the constitution remains the cornerstone of the party’s internal integrity.
