Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin has clarified that the party does not intend to unconditionally readmit members who were previously expelled or suspended.
This stance distinguishes the party from Umno, which has recently taken steps to welcome back former figures.
Speaking to the media at the Selangor Bersatu convention today, Muhyiddin stated that all rulings made by the party’s disciplinary board regarding suspensions and expulsions remain in effect.
He emphasised that these actions were taken against individuals who committed offences under the board’s jurisdiction.
The effects of these decisions are still being felt, and Muhyiddin noted that as of today, the party is standing by its previous rulings.
He added that the leadership is not aware of any appeals being submitted by the affected individuals at this stage.
Internal stability and recovery
The comments come amidst a backdrop of internal shifts within the political landscape.
While Umno has recently opened its doors to former leaders such as Khairy Jamaluddin and Hishammuddin Hussein under its platform, Muhyiddin categorised that as a separate matter unrelated to Bersatu’s current path.
During his address at the convention, the president assured members that Bersatu has successfully navigated through its recent internal crisis.
He claimed that the leadership took swift action to resolve disputes, and as a result, the situation within the party has returned to normal.
Muhyiddin pointed to the high attendance at large-scale events held during Ramadan and Aidilfitri as evidence of this recovery.
He noted that these gatherings were well-attended by both party members and the general public, effectively refuting suggestions that the party was on the verge of collapse.
Criteria for coalition entry
The recent internal friction in Bersatu saw significant changes, including the expulsion of secretary-general Hamzah Zainudin, as well as the suspensions of vice-president Ronald Kiandee and Srikandi chief Mas Ermieyati Samsudin.
When questioned about the possibility of a new party led by former Bersatu leaders applying to join Perikatan Nasional, Muhyiddin stated that any such application would require a thorough review.
He noted that the decision rests with the coalition’s Supreme Council.
However, the president cautioned that gaining entry into the coalition would not be a simple process.
While acknowledging that any group has the right to apply, he stressed that there are specific criteria that must be met and that the Supreme Council would have to deliberate on the merits of such a move.
