Malaysia

Bersatu sacks senior leader Saifuddin Abdullah over public criticism of party president

Bersatu dismisses Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah with immediate effect, citing a breach of party discipline after he openly criticised party president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin

Updated 9 months ago · Published on 07 Jan 2026 9:15AM

Bersatu sacks senior leader Saifuddin Abdullah over public criticism of party president
“I will file an appeal in the next few days,” Saifuddin says - January 7, 2025

PARTI Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia has expelled Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah from the party with immediate effect, marking a significant escalation in internal disciplinary action against one of its senior figures.

The dismissal was confirmed by Armada Bersatu Malaysia information chief Harris Idaham Rashid when contacted by Bernama on Wednesday.

He said the decision followed a disciplinary process that concluded with a meeting of the party’s disciplinary board on Tuesday.

“Yes, it is true (that he has been dismissed). (This is because) he had previously criticised the Bersatu president (Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin) on an open platform,” Harris Idaham said.

He added that Saifuddin had been given the opportunity to defend himself before the decision was taken.

“He was given the chance to defend himself and the disciplinary board meeting held yesterday decided on his dismissal,” he said.

Harris Idaham said Saifuddin was found to have breached Clause 9.1.4 of the party’s constitution, although he did not elaborate on the specific offence committed by the Indera Mahkota Member of Parliament.

Saifuddin, who is also the former Pahang chairman of Perikatan Nasional, later confirmed his expulsion when contacted. He said he was informed of the decision earlier on Wednesday.

“I will file an appeal in the next few days,” he said.

The move underscores mounting tensions within Bersatu as the party seeks to enforce discipline among its leadership ranks, particularly over public dissent against the party president.

Saifuddin’s expulsion is expected to draw wider attention within political circles, given his standing in the party and his parliamentary role. - January 7, 2025

Spotlight

Malaysia

JPJ temporarily suspends VTA and registration for Chery Omoda 5

Malaysia

Eligibility for PTPTN repayment deferment to be verified with LHDN

Malaysia

Budget allocates two rounds of cash aid to millions of Malaysians in 70th Merdeka year

Malaysia

No Malaysians killed or injured in Riyadh airport attack, says Wisma Putra

Malaysia

JAIS probes viral religious ritual footage, says AI manipulation not ruled out

Malaysia

10-tonne truck ploughs into 11 vehicles: Police probe possible brake failure

World

Trump weighs joining Saudi strikes after deadly Houthi attack on Riyadh airport

You may be interested

Malaysia

Two women killed after car veers into path of oncoming trailer in Setiu

Malaysia

Resident injured after crane topples onto nursing home

Malaysia

Budget 2027 emphasises a dignified life, says NGO

Malaysia

12-vehicle crash: Lorry driver tests positive for drugs (video)

Malaysia

Budget 2027: Most reform-minded budget in history, says Guan Eng

By Ian McIntyre

Malaysia

Selangor records moderate air quality, Johor extends school closures as haze persists

Malaysia

Budget allocates two rounds of cash aid to millions of Malaysians in 70th Merdeka year

Malaysia

Panama hit by 6.4-magnitude earthquake