Committee chairman Abdul Azim Zabidi said all 10 divisions will not be able to convene for the elections tomorrow, which are usually held at the respective divisions.
“We have received the letter (dated Oct 31), but the suspension is not under this committee’s jurisdiction,” he told FMT.
The suspended divisions are Hulu Langat, Kota Melaka, Tapah, Teluk Intan, Machang, Bukit Mertajam, Bukit Bendera, Tanjong, Cameron Highlands and Jasin.
Earlier today, Kota Melaka Bersatu posted an image of a letter from party secretary-general Hamzah Zainudin regarding the suspension of the division. An aide to Hamzah confirmed the letter’s authenticity.
“Less than 48 hours before the party election, with all preparations in place, the Kota Melaka division received a letter concerning the suspension of the division’s committee. Nevertheless, we respect the decision,” it said.
In the letter, Hamzah cited a clause under the party’s constitution which states that the Bersatu Supreme Council has the authority to oversee the establishment and management of state and divisional bodies, including the suspension or dissolution of committees, as necessary.
“In light of this decision, the Supreme Council will take over the administration and management of the Kota Melaka division,” he said.
Last month, Bersatu also suspended the Jasin division, led by its state chief Dr Yadzil Yaakub, purportedly after branches under the division failed to hold meetings despite claiming otherwise.
Yadzil, who is vying for a seat on the Bersatu Supreme Council in the party polls, previously complained of attempts to sabotage his political career, resulting in the suspension of his Jasin Bersatu division.
There have also been calls for Yadzil to make way for Masjid Tanah MP Mas Ermieyati Samsudin to take over as Melaka Bersatu chairman.
Separately, a source told FMT that Kota Melaka Bersatu was suspended following false reports submitted to the party concerning branch meetings and its membership.
“Several complaints were submitted, and the central leadership’s investigation found that violations had occurred,” said the source.