Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) has suspended its vice-president Ronald Kiandee and Wanita chief Mas Ermieyati Samsudin after they violated the party’s constitution and code of conduct.
Both leaders posted their suspension notices from the party’s disciplinary board on their social media accounts.
The notices, dated today, state that the pair breached Clause 9.1.4 of the constitution, resulting in a two-election-cycle suspension effective immediately.
Immediate effects of suspension
“This means that you are immediately stripped of all positions and are not permitted to make any statements on behalf of the party until the suspension ends,” the notice reads.
It adds that they may submit an appeal to the appeals board within 14 days from the date of the notice.
The notice is signed by disciplinary board chairman Radzi Manan.
Responses from the suspended leaders
Ronald Kiandee, the Beluran MP, wrote on Facebook that the suspension shows the party has drifted from its original purpose as a platform for collective struggle and has become a tool for personal political ambitions.
He questioned why he was suspended rather than sacked if the alleged offence was serious.
“I will not appeal. Consider this appeal period over. Period,” he stated.
Mas Ermieyati, the Masjid Tanah MP, posted on her Instagram story that she had “finally” been suspended.
“This is all the disciplinary board can give for now. As for me, syukur Alhamdulillah,” she said.
Background to the disciplinary action
Kiandee and Mas Ermieyati were among those who attended a gathering in support of Hamzah Zainudin on February 14, a day after the former deputy president was sacked by the party.
They later received show-cause letters from the disciplinary board over several allegations.
Kiandee explained that one key reason was his decision to inform Perikatan Nasional chief whip Takiyuddin Hassan that 13 Bersatu MPs supported Hamzah as opposition leader in Parliament.
