Perlis MB Abu Bakar suspended from Bersatu

Bersatu has suspended Perlis menteri besar Abu Bakar Hamzah from the party, effective Oct 14.

Perlis Bersatu chairman Izizam Ibrahim confirmed Abu Bakar’s suspension for two party election terms, Berita Harian reported.

He also said that a letter informing the Kuala Perlis assemblyman of the suspension was issued last week.

“Yes, it is true that the letter was issued last week, but I was not the one who circulated it.

“For now, we are waiting for an official decision from the party’s central leadership and the PAS assemblymen,” he said.

The letter, dated Oct 14 and signed by Bersatu disciplinary board chairman Radzi Manan, stated that the board met on Oct 13 and decided to suspend Abu Bakar’s membership under Clause 22.5 of the Bersatu constitution.

The action reportedly followed breaches of Clause 9.1.4 of the party constitution, as well as its code of ethics and conduct.

Abu Bakar was also stripped of his positions in Bersatu and barred from making any statements on behalf of the party throughout the suspension period.

The letter stated that Abu Bakar could appeal the suspension to the party’s appeals board within 14 days of its issuance.

When contacted, Abu Bakar declined to comment.

In July, Abu Bakar and state executive councillor Marzita Mansor were reported to have resigned from the Bersatu Supreme Council although they remained party members.

Abu Bakar said his resignation was to allow him to focus on governing Perlis. He said he and Marzita struggled to attend Supreme Council meetings and his administration had only about a year left in office.