BERSATU’S Supreme Council member Rafiq Abdullah has expressed opposition to proposed revisions to the candidacy requirements for the party’s top five positions, asserting that changes should not be made arbitrarily to benefit certain individuals.

Rafiq pointed out the need to adhere to the current requirements unless the party leadership decides otherwise. This statement follows discussions within the party sparked by Bersatu’s defeat in the Kuala Kubu Bharu by-election, with some party sources suggesting a need to change the candidacy requirements for the top five posts.

According to the Bersatu constitution, only members who have served on the Supreme Council for at least two terms are eligible to contest for the top five positions. However, some grassroots members have challenged this rule, arguing that modifications are necessary to ensure the party’s continuity ahead of the 16th general election.

Currently, Bersatu is led by party president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, with Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu as his deputy. The vice-presidents are Datuk Mohd Radzi Jidin and Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee, following the departure of Rafiq Naizamohideen in October 2022.

“No matter how popular you are, if you do not meet the requirements, you have to accept it. Be patient because there is still time.

“In my view, we must adhere to the party’s constitution. It is not to be violated. Many who are eager do not yet meet the requirement of having completed two terms as Supreme Council members,” the Kuang assemblyman added.

“To be in the top five, a person must have served for a credible duration before he can be elevated to such high positions.”

He noted that while the rules must be followed, there is a provision for members to seek special permission to contest top positions, as Ronald Kiandee did four years ago.

“Kiandee was granted special permission to contest the vice-president post, representing Sabah, even though he had not completed two terms,” he said, noting that the party had only established a presence in Sabah in April 2019.

“Bersatu’s constitution allows that, but we cannot arbitrarily change it for certain individuals’ interests.”

Addressing claims that some Bersatu leaders were traveling around the country to campaign ahead of the party polls, Rafiq stated that this was a common practice.

“There needs to be a strategy, just like preparing for a general election where you form your own team. However, in the end, we still contest as one big Bersatu family,” he said.

Bersatu is expected to hold elections for its Supreme Council and division leaders this year, following an 18-month postponement.

https://focusmalaysia.my/bersatu-leader-opposes-changes-to-partys-candidacy-rules/