Ex-Nenggiri rep withdraws expulsion suit against Bersatu

Former Nenggiri assemblyperson Azizi Abu Naim has withdrawn the originating summons he filed at the Kuala Lumpur High Court challenging the termination of his membership from Bersatu.

Azizi’s lawyer, Nur Irdina Syahirah Wardi, informed judge Roz Mawar Rozain that the suit was withdrawn as it had become academic, given that the Nenggiri by-election had already taken place, resulting in the election of a new representative.

Meanwhile, the defendants, including Kelantan state assembly speaker Amar Nik Abdullah, who was represented by counsel Awang Armadajaya Awang Mahmud, applied for RM250,000 in costs.

They argued that the case was of public interest and had required significant legal work due to its complexity, particularly with the involvement of the speaker’s position, which has wider implications for the country’s legislative body.

Counsel Chetan Jethwani, representing Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin and Bersatu secretary-general Hamzah Zainudin, who were also named as defendants, sought RM250,000 in costs for both his clients.

“This lawsuit has no merit and would ultimately fail. This is evidenced by the withdrawal of the suit,” said Chetan.

Judge Roz Mawar subsequently struck out the suit and ordered Azizi to pay RM50,000 to Amar and RM50,000 to Muhyiddin and Hamzah.

Azizi had originally filed the lawsuit on June 24 of last year, challenging his expulsion from Bersatu.

He sought a declaration that his termination, communicated via a notice dated June 12, 2024, was unlawful and void, claiming the notice was issued with malice.

Azizi argued that an amendment to Article 10 of Bersatu’s constitution, which allows revocation of membership if a member supports a political rival, was unconstitutional.

- Bernama

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