KUALA LUMPUR – Bersatu’s political bureau has terminated the membership of Telok Mas assemblyman Datuk Noor Effandi Ahmad with immediate effect, following the political tussle that led to the dissolution of the Melaka government.
Party secretary-general Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin said the termination is in line with Article 10 of the party’s constitution.
“This decision will be validated in the upcoming Bersatu supreme council meeting,” Hamzah said in a statement tonight.
He said the decision followed a political bureau meeting this evening to discuss the political development in Melaka.
Yesterday, Melaka Governor Tun Mohd Ali Mohd Rustam dissolved the state assembly effective Monday, with the dissolution proclamation gazetted yesterday.
The dissolution came after four reps, including Effandi, withdrew their support for Umno’s Melaka chief minister Datuk Seri Sulaiman Md Ali.
The other reps were Umno lawmaker Datuk Seri Idris Haron, Umno’s Datuk Nor Azman Hassan and independent assemblyman Datuk Norhizam Hassan Baktee.
Yesterday, Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the two Umno assemblymen can expect termination letters following the collapse of the state government.
The party president told a press conference outside the Dewan Rakyat that Sulaiman should continue to lead a “caretaker government” in the state until the Election Commission (EC) announces fresh polls.
Meanwhile, Hamzah said Bersatu’s political bureau was “very disappointed” with the four reps who brought about the collapse while the people are still facing the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The Bersatu political bureau is of the opinion that this political crisis was caused by internal party politicking, which was worsened by certain quarters who have taken advantage (of the situation) without taking into account the welfare of the people and interests of the country at an early stage of recovery,” Hamzah said.
He added that the political crisis in Melaka must be resolved immediately and in line with constitutional provisions of the state and country, as well as keeping the people’s interests. – The Vibes, October 6, 2021
