Breaking convention, Kedah MB keeps sacked Bersatu reps as exco and deputy Speaker

KUALA LUMPUR, May 26 — A Kedah assemblyman expelled by Parti Pribumi Bersatu (Bersatu) will keep his post as a state executive councillor (exco), while another lawmaking facing the same fate remains the Deputy Speaker of the Kedah State Assembly.

Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor confirmed that Suka Menanti assemblyman Dzowahir Ab Ghani and Sungai Tiang assemblyman Abdul Razak Khamis would continue in their roles despite being expelled from Bersatu, The Star reported.

Dzowahir serves as the State Agriculture, Plantation, and Transport Committee Chairman, while is the state’s Deputy Speaker.

“The two assemblymen remain in their positions as of now. There is no need to change them. They can carry on with their work as usual. Those who were sacked are all okay; their work is good,” Sanusi said at an event in Kedah.

According to a report by Kedah’s Darul Aman Information Secretariat, Sanusi asserted that the state administration is running smoothly and that the expulsions have not affected Kedah’s stability.

Sanusi noted that he had informed the PAS Central Working Committee at a special meeting in Terengganu on Sunday that Kedah remains politically stable.

“There is indeed an exco member and a Deputy Speaker from Bersatu who were sacked, but the state is stable. Relations between parties here are good,” he said.

Sanusi also denied claims that he was under pressure after Bersatu took disciplinary action against the two representatives.

“I am on good terms with everyone. As menteri besar, I want to ensure the state remains stable and peaceful, and that work proceeds smoothly. The state administration is running well and blessings are flowing,” he said.

Addressing his dual roles, Sanusi said his political remarks during political rallies should be viewed separately from his duties as menteri besar, as he also serves as the PAS Election Director.

“I have to attend the ceramah because that role demands it. When I wear that hat, I will talk about politics,” he explained.

Bersatu had earlier requested the Kedah government replace the exco member and Deputy Speaker prior to their formal expulsion. At the time, Sanusi declined to act, noting that Dzowahir and Abdul Razak had not yet faced formal party discipline.

Following their expulsion on May 8, Sanusi stated the state government would take the necessary steps, including seeking an audience with the Sultan of Kedah, Al Aminul Karim Sultan Sallehuddin Sultan Badlishah, to deliberate on the matter.

He reiterated that the two men are not part of the opposition, but are independent assemblymen supporting the state government.

Bersatu sacked Dzowahir and Abdul Razak under Clause 22.5 of the party constitution for allegedly breaching Clause 9.1.4 and the party’s code of ethics.

Seven others had their membership rights suspended for two party election terms, including Chenderoh assemblyman Syed Lukman Hakim Syed Mohd Zain, Tanah Merah MP Ikmal Hisham Abdul Aziz, Rompin MP Khalib Abdullah, and Lumut MP Nordin Ahmad Ismail.