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OPPOSITION party Bersatu has suspended its vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee for two election terms with immediate effect, a move that has triggered sharp criticism from the veteran politician who claims the party’s disciplinary process is being used for internal political control.
Kiandee revealed the decision in a letter posted on his Facebook account, stating that the suspension was imposed after he was found to have breached Clause 9.1.4 of the party constitution as well as the party’s code of ethics and conduct.
In his response, Kiandee questioned the disciplinary action, arguing that the move reinforced perceptions that the party’s Disciplinary Board had become a political instrument used to protect the leadership.
“More so when the board is chaired by an individual with family ties to the party's top leadership,” he said.
Kiandee also defended his recent political activities, saying they were not grounds for punishment.
“I have organised the RESET programme and also attended a meeting with Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin alongside the deputy prime minister in Bangkok.
“If that was truly a serious offence, why wasn't I expelled?” he said.
The Beluran Member of Parliament further criticised what he described as the party’s current direction, claiming its focus had increasingly centred on promoting Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin as a future prime ministerial candidate.
He alleged that internal mechanisms were being used to sideline those viewed as obstacles to that objective.
“The party's direction has become increasingly misguided, with all actions seemingly focused on elevating Muhyiddin as the poster boy and candidate for the 11th prime minister.
“This is also what happened to several party leaders in the past, including Datuk Seri Hamzah (Zainuddin).”
Kiandee added that the party environment had evolved in such a way that dissenting voices were marginalised.
“In the end, only those who always say 'yes' to the president remain,” he said.
He went on to claim that loyalty within the party had become entrenched through political appointments and promises of electoral candidacy.
“The 'yes-president' faction exists because some were appointed by the president, so they must be loyal. Others lost in elections but were endorsed by the president, they must also be loyal. And, some were promised candidacy letters, making loyalty mandatory.
“I joined this party believing it was a platform for struggle, not a tool to fulfil an individual's political ambitions. Yet what we see today is far from that spirit.”
Kiandee said he had no intention of contesting the decision. “I will not appeal. Consider this appeal period over. Period.” - March 10, 2026