In a protest against the decision, Khaliq announced his resignation as the chairman of Bersatu’s legal and constitution bureau.

The Kepala Batas Bersatu chief said his removal as an appointed Bersatu Supreme Council member was a result of him not fully supporting party president Muhyiddin Yassin’s stand on “certain matters”.

While Khaliq said he respected the decision, he defended his right to voice differing opinions and views within the party, saying it was part of democracy.

“I believe that a leadership succession plan in Bersatu must be carried out quickly and prudently to bolster unity and safeguard the party’s future,” the former Penang opposition leader said in a statement.

“This view stems from my love and sense of responsibility towards the party, and is not intended to oppose the leadership.

“I hope that, in future, appointments to the Supreme Council will be made based on capability, credibility and principles, rather than having ‘yes men’ appointed to the leadership.

“I thank the party president for entrusting me with the responsibility of being an appointed Bersatu Supreme Council member over the past nine months.”

Khaliq’s removal from the Bersatu Supreme Council is the latest development in the party’s ongoing turmoil, with Muhyiddin facing multiple calls to step down as its president.

The turmoil has led to the sacking of Tasek Gelugor MP Wan Saiful Wan Jan, the suspension of Machang MP Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal, and the removal of Saifuddin Abdullah as Pahang Perikatan Nasional chief.