Perikatan Nasional (PN) has begun disciplinary proceedings against its component party Bersatu, with possible outcomes ranging from a warning to suspension or expulsion, PN secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan said.
The decision was made at an emergency meeting of the PN Supreme Council at the weekend. Takiyuddin, who is also PAS secretary-general, said Bersatu would be served a formal notice under Clause 15 of the coalition’s constitution setting out the allegations, and would be given time to respond.
If Bersatu does not reply, PN will treat this as an acceptance of the allegations, and any further action will be decided at the coalition’s next meeting.
The main complaint is that Bersatu fielded candidates in eight seats also contested by PN in the Negeri Sembilan state election. Takiyuddin said other matters would be detailed in the notice.
Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin informed PN that he could not attend the emergency meeting, without giving a reason, while three other Bersatu representatives who were sent notices did not respond. Bersatu has yet to make a formal statement on the allegations.
Takiyuddin rejected claims that PN could not hold meetings after the Kuala Lumpur High Court last week suspended the implementation of Registrar of Societies decisions concerning the coalition. He said PN had resumed normal operations.
For the Melaka state election, PN will contest under its own logo and plans to announce its candidates on 29 October. Takiyuddin said the coalition was open to Bersatu using its own logo if approved under Clause 16 of PN’s constitution.