The Julau MP said he had no problem making way for Zuraida but wanted the transition carried out according to the “right procedures” to avoid PBM from facing any problems from the Registrar of Societies (RoS).
Sng said he had made it clear to Zuraida and the party’s top officials that he would not resign immediately as the party needed to consider the possibility that the general election (GE) could be called very soon. As such, any decision by him to resign abruptly could lead to problems for PBM in fielding candidates for the polls.
“If Parliament is dissolved over the next few days and the GE15 date fixed, I will have to sign the ‘watikah’ (appointment letter of candidates) as I am officially the president. So I said, let this uncertain phase pass before I hand over (the presidency) to her.
“Watikah letters can only be signed by the president whose name appears in RoS’ records. Otherwise, we may not only run the risk of our candidates being disqualified on nomination day but PBM can also be challenged legally if our candidates win,” he told FMT.
Yesterday, PBM information chief Zakaria Abdul Hamid was reported as announcing that Zuraida was officially PBM’s president, claiming she had received unanimous support at the party’s inaugural general assembly.
Malaysiakini today quoted Zakaria as saying the PBM Supreme Council “will carry out the due processes next week, in technical matters including notifying the RoS,” about Zuraida taking over as party president.
Sng said he was shocked by Zakaria’s announcement as there were certain procedures to follow before the party could have a new president, one of which was that the incumbent must resign or be sacked.
“I did not resign and have not been sacked. And I have told all of them that I will make way once the GE15 imbroglio is settled by the ruling party. So let’s wait for the next few days to see how things go,” he said.
“Most importantly, the RoS must be officially notified about the change. They monitor the affairs of all parties closely. If the general election does not take place soon, we will plan a smooth transition,” he said.
When asked what will happen if Parliament is dissolved in the next few days or weeks, Sng said as he was still PBM president in RoS’ records, he would have to sign the watikah.
On Friday, Umno issued a statement saying Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob would propose to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong for the dissolution of Parliament based on the party’s stand for the general election to be held this year. Ismail is an Umno vice-president and the statement has fuelled speculation that the polls could be held as early as next month.