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IN a strongly worded statement issued after a recent political bureau meeting, Bersatu defended its dismissal of deputy president Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin and several other leaders earlier this year, insisting the move was lawful and beyond PAS’ authority to challenge.
The party said the Registrar of Societies had already affirmed that the sackings carried out in February were constitutional, adding that PAS had “no say” in the matter.
The unusually lengthy three-page statement marked Bersatu leadership’s first direct response to Abdul Hadi’s criticisms, which emerged amid months of mounting strain between the two largest parties in the opposition bloc.
Bersatu also rejected allegations that the dismissals had destabilised the PAS-led administrations in Kedah and Kelantan through proposed reshuffles involving state executive councillors and deputy speakers.
“Every political party has ethical and disciplinary procedures that its members must follow. The exco members and Deputy Speakers held their positions in their capacity as Bersatu members,” the bureau said, dismissing PAS’ claims as “entirely baseless”.
The statement further portrayed Bersatu as the moderate and inclusive face of Perikatan Nasional, arguing that the party’s image and leadership credentials had significantly strengthened support for both Bersatu and PAS candidates in previous elections.
“Regarding claims that Bersatu only increases the number of candidates but lacks machinery, Bersatu is continuously striving to strengthen its grassroots support.
“In recent months, the Bersatu headquarters has received hundreds of new membership applications daily, proving that Bersatu is growing with new energy, especially among the youth.
“Apart from party machinery and members, Bersatu’s strength in all elections lies in the Bersatu brand itself, which attracts Malaysians, as well as the experience and track records of Bersatu leaders who have been tested and proven capable in governing and administering the country effectively.
“Its moderate, inclusive, progressive image, people-centric policies, and credible experience have boosted voter support for Bersatu candidates and other parties within Perikatan Nasional,” the bureau said.
The rebuttal followed Abdul Hadi’s remarks on Friday that PAS was reviewing its cooperation with Bersatu, accusing the party of failing to honour political commitments and obstructing efforts to expand Perikatan by preventing other parties from joining the coalition.
He also questioned Bersatu’s organisational strength during elections, alleging that the party frequently failed to mobilise sufficient campaign workers despite claiming to have large membership numbers.
“Those who work during elections on the ground were so small in numbers. They told us they had thousands of members but when it comes to going down on the ground during elections, there were very few from Bersatu,” Abdul Hadi reportedly said.
Despite the intensifying war of words, PAS has yet to formally sever ties with Bersatu. The Islamist party’s central committee reportedly convened an emergency meeting on Sunday, although no final decision has been announced regarding the future of cooperation within Perikatan Nasional. - May 25, 2026
