Hulu Klang assemblyman Saari Sungib says he is uncertain what a year-long suspension from PAS entails. – The Malaysian Insider file pic, November 9, 2014.
The PAS Shura Council has upheld the Islamist party’s decision to suspend Hulu Klang assemblyman Saari Sungib and Morib assemblyman Hasnul Baharuddin for a year.
The verdict, The Malaysian Insider learnt, was conveyed to the duo by letter.
Saari received his letter yesterday while Hasnul received it on Friday evening.
"The letter basically upholds the punishment meted out to me (and Hasnul) by the PAS Central Committee," said Saari.
The Islamist party's Central Committee meeting held on October 11 had decided to suspend both Saari's and Hasnul's membership for one year.
Although it did not specify their faults, it was clear that the decision was related to them signing a declaration of support for PKR president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail during the Selangor menteri besar saga.
However, Saari and Hasnul were given the opportunity to submit an appeal in writing within 14 days from the suspension date to the Shura Council.
Both submitted their appeal letters on October 27.
The council then held a meeting last Sunday and decided to maintain the party's decision on the two assemblymen.
Saari said the letter, among others, also reminded both not to deviate from the party's path and be more disciplined.
Unclear with the meaning of the suspension, Saari said he would seek advice from other senior party leaders to ensure that he adhered to the decision.
"What I understand is that I am not allowed to vote or hold any position in the party.
"I can't even represent the party in any activities," Saari said, adding that he would find out more about it.
Hasnul said he accepted the party's decision but would continue his duties as an assemblyman.
"I will continue doing my job as best as possible and I am grateful that many of the leaders and members are supportive," he told The Malaysian Insider.
PAS lawyer Dr Dzulkarnain Lokman said, as suspended members, both Saari and Hasnul could no longer function as members or perform their duties based on their party positions.
They are, however, free to move about and continue their duties as assemblymen, including taking part in meetings or programme in their capacity as representatives.
"Based on past precedence, when Khalid Samad was suspended, he was actually more active than before.
"Khalid was invited to give talks all over the country, not as a PAS member but as the Shah Alam MP.”
The duo created a stir after throwing their lot in with DAP and PKR to support former Selangor menteri besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim's removal ahead of a decision by the party leadership.
PAS only made its decision one week after 30 Selangor assembly members, including Saari and Hasnul, decided to back Dr Wan Azizah to replace Khalid.
The impasse for the Selangor top post finally ended after PKR deputy president Mohamed Azmin Ali was appointed the menteri besar on September 23.
- TMI
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