BERSATU has revoked former Johor menteri besar Osman Sapian’s membership in the party for supporting the opposition in the recent Slim by-election, reports Malaysiakini.

The news portal quoted Bersatu disciplinary committee chairman Megat Najmuddin Megat Khas as saying Osman had lost his membership automatically for supporting the opposition. 

“The party’s constitution states that Osman automatically loses his membership (in this case). 

“There is therefore no need to refer him to the disciplinary board.

“The party secretary-general can announce publicly that Osman is no longer a party member,” he was quoted as saying in the report.

The party has not made an official announcement on this yet.

Osman’s removal from the party places the Johor government at risk as the Umno-led Perikatan Nasional state government only enjoys a single-seat majority now. 

Until Osman’s sacking, Johor PN had a two-seat majority in the assembly with 29 seats while Pakatan Harapan had 27 seats. 

Osman, who is also Kempas state rep, could now join Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s yet-to-be registered Pejuang party. 

Prior to this, Osman had denied switching alliances and pledged to continue to support the current leadership of Menteri Besar Hasni Mohamad. 

In an interview with Sinar Harian recently, Osman said his actions during the by-election were for the sake of Bersatu’s dignity, which appeared to be belittled by Umno. 

Johor Bersatu information chief Yacob Atan, who is also Pulai division chief, led the call for Osman to be referred to the disciplinary board. 

All eyes will now be on the next Johor state assembly sitting on September 10, to see if Hasni still holds the majority for PN to govern the state. 

Bersatu had previously annulled the memberships of its founding chairman Dr Mahathir and five others for supporting the opposition. – September 4, 2020.