KUALA LUMPUR — Former Bersatu politician Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah has warned that it would be an act of “injustice” if the party’s disciplinary board proceeds to make a decision regarding deputy president Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin in his absence.
Speaking to Scoop, Saifuddin expressed his concerns about the board’s management, which he claims contradicts the principles of natural justice and is marred by conflicts of interest.
“The main issue is that the disciplinary board is being managed poorly, contrary to the principles of natural justice, with conflicts of interest among the panel members,” said the Indera Mahkota MP.
“The same individuals act as both accuser and adjudicator, and there is no fair hearing.”
Saifuddin also criticised the vague nature of the charges against Hamzah, noting that they fail to specify what offence he is being accused of or the relevant clause of the party’s constitution.
“If the disciplinary board makes a decision on Hamzah in his absence, it would be an act of injustice,” he added.
Hamzah, who is currently abroad, will miss his hearing scheduled for tomorrow. His private secretary, Ahmad Ikhwan Fadhli, confirmed that Hamzah is in Sydney, Australia, to assist his daughter with university enrolment.
The Larut MP has been summoned to assist in an investigation concerning his alleged involvement in undermining the party’s 2025 annual general assembly and making attacks against party president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
This marks Hamzah’s second summons, following one issued in October last year.
In addition to Hamzah, the disciplinary board has called at least six other Bersatu leaders for questioning tomorrow.
Saifuddin also highlighted a recurring issue with the board, where decisions are sometimes made even before it convenes.
“Indeed, one of the criticisms of the disciplinary board has been that decisions have been made even before it convenes,” he remarked.
“Even if there are factions, I believe the majority of Bersatu Division Chiefs and Members of Parliament support Hamzah. I do not see this as a power struggle.”
Saifuddin emphasised that Hamzah has never expressed an intention to become president. However, he noted that if Tan Sri Muhyiddin were to step down, the Bersatu constitution stipulates that the deputy president, Hamzah, would assume the presidency.
“As the Leader of the Opposition, as well as the former secretary-general of both Bersatu and Perikatan Nasional, he is qualified,” Saifuddin added.
He concluded by stating that the current internal crisis stems more from Muhyiddin’s obsession with becoming Prime Minister than any power grab by others.
“This crisis is more about Muhyiddin being obsessed with becoming Prime Minister. However, he has clearly lost the ability in terms of knowledge, skill, and leadership decorum,” he said.
“The pressure for him to step down stems from these evident weaknesses, not because anyone is trying to seize power.” – February 12, 2026