Why suspend when you can just fire me?’: Ronald Kiandee lashes out at Bersatu.
The Beluran MP challenges decision, claims party board is used to protect leadership and enforce loyalty
KOTA KINABALU : – Bersatu vice-president Ronald Kiandee has been suspended for allegedly breaching the party’s constitution and code of conduct.
According to a notice issued by the party’s disciplinary board, the Beluran MP was found to have violated Clause 9.1.4 of Bersatu’s constitution.
His suspension, effective immediately, will last for two election cycles.
Taking to Facebook, Kiandee criticised the decision.
“Why just suspend me? If I am truly at fault, just fire me. I organised the RESET programme and also attended a meeting in Bangkok with Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin and the Deputy Prime Minister. If this really is a serious offence, why wasn’t I dismissed?”
He added that the action reinforced perceptions that the Disciplinary Board has become a political tool to protect the party president and a close inner circle, particularly when the board is chaired by someone with family ties to the top leadership.
Kiandee further claimed the party’s direction has shifted over the past two years, appearing increasingly focused on elevating Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin as the prospective 11th Prime Minister.
“Anyone seen as a potential obstacle to this agenda is sidelined. The Disciplinary Board becomes the most powerful instrument to carry out such actions. This is also what happened to several party leaders previously, including Datuk Seri Hamzah. In the end, only those who always say ‘yes’ to the president remain,” he said.
He criticised the “yes-president” faction, noting that loyalty is enforced through appointments, electoral support, and promised candidacies.
“I joined this party believing it was a platform for struggle, not a tool to fulfil individual political ambitions. But what we see today is far from that spirit. I will not appeal. Consider the appeal period over. Period.”
Kiandee confirmed receiving a show-cause letter dated February 28 but declined to disclose its contents. Speaking at the Majlis Moreh Perdana and Pelancaran Gempur Rasuah Negeri Sembilan last Friday.
“Today may be my last day speaking as vice-president because six days ago I received a show-cause letter from the party’s Disciplinary Board asking me to respond. The deadline ends tomorrow. Whether I respond or not, I am certain action will still be taken, and I believe it aims to remove us from supporting Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin.”
He also indicated that his suspension was partly linked to informing Perikatan Nasional (PN) Chief Whip Takiyuddin Hassan that 13 Bersatu MPs backed Hamzah as Parliamentary Opposition Leader.
Bersatu’s Srikandi (Women’s Wing) chief, Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin, confirmed receiving a similar letter but said she had no intention of responding.
“Tomorrow is the deadline for me to reply to the letter. But so far, I do not intend to respond. We will see what happens,” Kiandee said.
The party’s disciplinary board had previously expelled Hamzah under the same constitutional clause. Since then, 16 other leaders, including MPs and assemblymen, have faced similar measures.
Among them are Machang MP Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal, Padang Rengas MP Kapten Azahari Hasan, and Gerik MP Fathul Huzir Ayob. Two assemblymen, Datuk Zainol Fadzi Paharudin (Sungai Manik) and Dr Mohd Yadzil Yaakub (Bemban), were also expelled.
Nine divisional chiefs have been removed, including Larut’s Mohd Hassuandi Hamzah, Libaran’s Yunus Nurdin, and Johor Bahru’s Datuk Zulkifli Bujang. The party’s Sabah Chief Srikandi, Nabila Norshahar, and Hulu Langat Chief of Information, Mohamad Shafiq Abdul Halim, were also dismissed. – scoop.my
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