Merbok MP Nazri Abu Hassan said that at the point of signing the letter, he did not know that Wan Saiful and Wan Fayhsal had filed appeals against the disciplinary action taken against them.
He said he respected their right to file appeals and believed that the Bersatu disciplinary board and Supreme Council will evaluate the matter fairly and prudently.
Nazri, a first-term MP, said his signature was not a sign of opposition against the Bersatu leadership or its decisions.
“As an MP and party member, I hold to the principle that every action and decision must be done through the proper channels,” he said in a statement.
“At the same time, I advise my two friends to postpone any programmes or public statements they have planned while their appeals are being considered, to ensure the credibility of the appeals process and protect the party’s good name.
“I remain loyal and continue to trust in Muhyiddin’s leadership as well as the entire party leadership structure, which is legitimate. Bersatu must stay focused on fighting for the people and not be trapped by internal polemics that only benefit our rivals.”
Sixteen Bersatu MPs had signed the letter sent to Muhyiddin, expressing concerns over the internal turmoil afflicting the party and describing the action taken against Wan Saiful and Wan Fayhsal as “unwise”.
The letter said the action taken against the pair was “uncannily timed” and could be perceived as aimed at disrupting the momentum of public support for the alternative 2026 budget proposed by opposition leader Hamzah Zainudin.
Besides Nazri, the letter was signed by Indera Mahkota MP Saifuddin Abdullah, Wanita Bersatu chief Mas Ermieyati Samsudin (Masjid Tanah) and former deputy minister Rosol Wahid (Hulu Terengganu).
The others who signed the statement were Khlir Nor (Ketereh), Islahuddin Abas (Mersing), Fathul Huzir Ayob (Gerik), Ku Abd Rahman Ku Ismail (Kubang Pasu), Ikmal Hisham Abdul Aziz (Tanah Merah), Abdul Khalib Abdullah (Rompin), Nordin Ahmad Ismail (Lumut), Zakri Hassan (Kangar), Muslimin Yahaya (Sungai Besar), Roslan Hashim (Kulim Bandar Baharu), Azahari Hasan (Padang Rengas) and Kalam Salan (Sabak Bernam).
Tensions have been escalating within Bersatu following the expulsion of Wan Saiful and suspension of Wan Fayhsal for allegedly breaching the party’s constitution and code of conduct.
Bersatu’s disciplinary board has also expelled four division chiefs and summoned several leaders for hearings, including Hamzah and Saifuddin.