DR Mahathir Mohamad is at the Bersatu headquarters in Petaling Jaya ahead of a press conference called by secretary-general Hamzah Zainuddin.

The former prime minister, who arrived about 2.30pm, did not speak to waiting reporters.

In a social media post later, he said: “I am now at the Bersatu headquarters. If they want to sack (me), I am waiting in the office.”

Yesterday, the party led by Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin issued letters to Dr Mahathir and four others saying they have lost their memberships after sitting on the opposition bench during the May 18 Parliament session.

The letters to Langkawi MP Dr Mahathir, deputy president and Jerlun MP Mukhriz Mahathir, Kubang Pasu MP Amiruddin Hamzah, youth chief and Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman and Simpang Renggam MP Maszlee Malik were issued by organising secretary Muhammad Suhaimi Yahya.

The five immediately disputed the matter, saying the move is unlawful and has no basis in the party constitution.

In a joint statement, they said Bersatu president Muhyiddin is “clearly playing politics during the Covid-19 and economic crises”.

“We cannot be said to have left the party as we have only done what is allowed under the law and within our rights according to the federal constitution as MPs.

“Our removal (from the party) is illegal and denies us the right to reply and give an explanation.”

The tussle between Bersatu founders Dr Mahathir and Muhyiddin is threatening to split the party.

Dr Mahathir also disputed Muhyiddin’s appointment of Hamzah as secretary-general to replace Marzuki Yahya, who is allied with the former prime minister.

Mukhriz, too, is present at the party headquarters today, and so is Petaling Jaya district police chief Nik Izanee Mohd Faisal, who is monitoring the situation.

It is unclear if Dr Mahathir will hold a presser. Hamzah is scheduled to address the media at 4pm. – May 29, 2020.