BERSATU complied with the party constitution when it held its first annual general meeting in December last year, its president Muhyiddin Yassin said.

He said it should not be assumed that the party had broken the law just because some members had complaints.

“It is just based on complaints, but it does not mean they (the complainants) were right,” he told a press conference today after chairing a Johor Pakatan Harapan meeting.

The allegations of unconstitutionality are centred around the party’s failure to call for an AGM at its branches. It was reported that hundreds of complaints were sent to RoS.

Muhyiddin said the party constitution clearly stated that divisions and branches must hold an AGM to elect office bearers after they had been formally set up for a year.

He said Bersatu’s 137 divisions were only approved by RoS last year, with the first – Pagoh – approved on July 24.

“They complained that no division had held an AGM. Refer to the party constitution. Divisions are not yet a year old and no branches have been approved by RoS. There is no need for them to hold the AGMs yet. 

“Those who complained do not understand the constitution or they neglected to read it.”

Muhyiddin said it was up to the Bersatu Supreme Council and not RoS to interpret the party constitution.

He said it was up to RoS to probe whether the complaints had basis, but the federal agency should inform Bersatu what the issue was.

He said RoS rarely responded when the party sought advice and guidance.

“Please also refer the complaints to us so we know what the issue is. It is RoS’ job to inform us so we can look into the issue.

“But until today, not a single word. RoS sent no letter. It doesn’t even give us an appointment when we try to seek advice.

“We are after all just 15 months old, a new party. Any new organisation will have some issues… but don’t accuse us of not following the law,” he said.

Muhyiddin said the party suspected that some quarters had malicious intentions against Bersatu, and were creating issues for the party to thwart its registration with RoS.

“It seems like some are out to tarnish our reputation. They always have the same script. Their complaints sound the same. They will also have TV3 giving them coverage.

“There are ill intentions against us. Some might have failed to get party positions while others might have left the party already.”

Bersatu was formed in September 2016, following the exits of several prominent figures from Umno, notably former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, his son Mukhriz, the former Kedah menteri besar, and Muhyiddin.

Dr Mahathir resigned from Umno in February 2016, while Muhyiddin and Mukhriz were sacked in June the same year. They had all been critical of Prime Minister Najib Razak’s administration, particularly the latter’s handling of the 1Malaysia Development Bhd issue.

Bersatu, chaired by Dr Mahathir, who is also PH chairman and the opposition’s prime minister candidate, has many members formerly from Umno.

Muhyiddin said he anticipated more “members” to make complaints following his remarks today.

“Because I have said all this today, there will be others claiming to be members complaining about Bersatu tomorrow.

“They claim there are issues, but they don’t even bring it up within the party first,” he said.

Muhyiddin said the party would consult its lawyer about taking action against non-members who made  slanderous statements against Bersatu were not party members, while those who were members would be referred to the party’s disciplinary board. – February 8, 2018.