'Disgusting slander': S'gor Bersatu reps condemn Wan Saiful for attack on Azmin

Summary

• A group of 10 Selangor assemblypersons from Bersatu says Wan Saiful Wan Jan should focus on his court case rather than attack others with baseless accusations.

• They defend Azmin against an attack mounted by Wan Saiful and several others.

A group of 10 Selangor assemblypersons from Bersatu today came to the defence of Azmin Ali amid an attack mounted by fellow party leaders led by Wan Saiful Wan Jan.

They claimed the offensive on Azmin, who is Bersatu secretary-general, was only an attempt to deflect attention from Wan Saiful's (above) failed attempt to bring down party president Muhyiddin Yassin.

The state representatives regarded Wan Saiful's revival of a 2019 video scandal that implicated Azmin as a "disgusting slander" by the Bersatu supreme council member.

They branded his statement as irresponsible and revealed a desperate attempt to divert attention from the failure of the group’s own malicious conspiracy, including their attempt to overthrow the party president through a move (to collect) statutory declarations (SDs), which failed to gain traction.

"They were acting like enemies within conspiring with external foes, and we strongly condemn the vile slander repeatedly hurled at Azmin, even though police had thoroughly investigated the case for more than eight months.

"The attorney-general had, on Jan 9, 2020, confirmed that, after reviewing all the evidence and testimonies, the deputy public prosecutors unanimously recommended that there was no case for prosecution.

"The AG accepted this recommendation and decided that no charges would be filed.

"The fact is, Wan Saiful and the masterminds behind this orchestrated effort are twisting the facts and attempting to change the narrative after their conspiracy failed," the group said in a statement.

It was signed by Kuang assemblyperson Rafiq Abdullah, Rosnizan Ahmad (Morib), Wan Dzahanurin Ahmad (Sungai Kandis), Dr Afif Bahardin (Taman Medan), Hilman Idham (Gombak Setia), Harrison Hassan (Jeram), Jamil Salleh (Dengkil), Noorazley Yahya (Bukit Melawati), Nurul Syazwani Noh (Permatang), and Muhaimin Harith Abdullah Sani (Batang Kali).

Bersatu has a total of 11 state assembly members in Selangor, including Azmin, who is the Hulu Kelang representative.

Focus on case

They further condemned Wan Saiful, who is on trial over his alleged corruption-related charges.

"The matter that truly deserves attention is his (Wan Saiful) own case. He has not only been investigated but is now facing prosecution in court over charges of misappropriating millions of ringgit.

"This prosecution proves that the authorities have a strong basis, and he should answer these charges in a court of law, rather than attacking others with baseless accusations," said the group, which also urged the Bersatu Disciplinary Board to take immediate action against Wan Saiful and the others involved in the alleged conspiracy.

Yesterday, Wan Saiful and several other Bersatu leaders held a press conference to address allegations that they were trying to force Muhyiddin into handing over the party leadership to deputy president Hamzah Zainudin.

During the press conference, Wan Saiful, who is Tasek Gelugor MP, raised allegations of misconduct by Azmin and Bersatu information chief Tun Faisal Ismail Aziz.

No room for sabotage

In a separate statement, two Pahang assemblypersons from Bersatu also urged the party's disciplinary body to take action against Wan Saiful and other leaders involved in the press conference.

Jasri Jamaludin and Yazid Yunus, who represent the Kuala Sentul and Lepar constituencies respectively, condemned the action as contradicting the party's principles of discipline, ethics and the spirit of loyalty.

"Holding a press conference without referring to the party leadership would only create confusion among members and tarnish the party’s image in the eyes of the public.

"In this regard, we urge the Disciplinary Board to immediately investigate the incident involving the press conference, take appropriate action against the individuals, regardless of their position or rank, and strengthen party discipline to ensure there is no room for acts of sabotage, slander, or internal division.

"We are confident and believe that firmness in matters of discipline will strengthen party unity and ensure that Bersatu continues to stand as a credible, clean, and focused political platform that champions the people's welfare.”

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