KOTA BARU: At least six of the 14 Bersatu division chiefs in Kelantan have admitted to signing a statutory declaration (SD) calling for Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin to step down as party president and hand over the position to Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin.
A Bersatu division chief, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Berita Harian that the six were among 120 division chiefs who attended a meeting in the capital earlier this month.
He added that some had claimed the SD did not exist, allegedly to downplay the issue, when in fact it did.
“All 120 division chiefs who attended the meeting signed the SD. For those who could not attend due to other commitments, the SD was sent to them for signature if they supported the proposal,” he said.
He added that the signatures clearly demonstrated Hamzah’s strong support among the division chiefs.
“Understand this, we are not pushing for something that does not exist.
“The SD was signed to ensure Muhyiddin fulfils his promise, as listed in the succession plan he outlined last year, naming Hamzah as deputy president and prospective successor to assume the party presidency,” he added.
In Alor Setar, Kedah Bersatu information chief Khairul Anuar Ramli denied the existence of the SD, saying the issue was deliberately raised to serve the personal agendas of certain parties.
Khairul Anuar, who is also Padang Serai Bersatu division chief and Lunas state assemblyman, did not deny that there was some dissatisfaction among party members regarding the leadership.
He, however, said such discontent was normal in any political organisation.
“The claim about 120 SDs is not true; it is being exaggerated by parties with their own agendas.
“The truth will be seen in the motion passed during the party’s recent annual general assembly, which unanimously approved Muhyiddin as the 11th Prime Minister candidate,” he said.
“This clearly shows the SD does not exist. If it did, the motion would not have passed unanimously.
“Only verified delegates vote, not ordinary members who are not allowed into the hall,” Khairul added.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
