KUALA LUMPUR: The Bersatu disciplinary board hearing against Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin will proceed today as scheduled despite the party deputy president being overseas.
A source said the hearing was necessary to address internal issues and rejuvenate the party.
“We believe that even if Hamzah were not overseas, he would not attend,” the source added.
Internal tensions have spiked over the past week following speculation that the Larut member of parliament could be sacked.
The friction included vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee’s public call for party president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin to step down.
“I won’t be surprised if Kiandee quits if Hamzah is sacked. To me, it is good riddance,” the source said.
While acknowledging “dark days” ahead for Bersatu, the source predicted “light at the end of the tunnel”, suggesting the party may hold special polls to fill leadership vacancies.
Yesterday, Hamzah’s private secretary, Ahmad Ikhwan Fadhli, confirmed the opposition leader would miss the hearing.
He said Hamzah was currently in Australia to assist his daughter with university enrolment.
Hamzah was summoned to appear before the board to assist in investigations into his alleged involvement in disruptions during the party’s annual general assembly and verbal attacks on Muhyiddin.
A second summons notice, signed by disciplinary board chairman Datuk Mohd Radzi Manan on Feb 6, indicated that four complaints had been filed against Hamzah.
The complaints are dated Sept 30 last year and Feb 5.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
