Kedah MB Keeps Sacked Bersatu Reps As Exco And Deputy Speaker Despite Party Expulsion

KUALA LUMPUR,MAY,2026 – Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor has confirmed that two assemblymen expelled from Bersatu will remain in their state government positions, despite their dismissal from the party.

Sanusi said Suka Menanti assemblyman Dzowahir Ab Ghani will continue serving as Kedah’s agriculture, plantation and transport committee chairman, while Sungai Tiang assemblyman Abdul Razak Khamis will remain Deputy Speaker of the Kedah state assembly.

According to Sanusi, there is currently no need to replace the two representatives as they are still able to carry out their duties. He said the two assemblymen could continue working as usual, adding that their performance remained satisfactory.

Sanusi also stressed that the expulsions have not affected the stability of the Kedah state government. He said the administration is running smoothly and that relations between parties supporting the state government remain good.

The Kedah Menteri Besar denied suggestions that he was under pressure following Bersatu’s disciplinary action against the two representatives. He said his main responsibility as Menteri Besar is to ensure that the state remains stable, peaceful and properly administered.

The issue began after Bersatu sacked Dzowahir and Abdul Razak on May 8, citing alleged breaches of the party constitution, code of ethics and conduct. The two were removed under Clause 22.5 of the Bersatu constitution for allegedly breaching Clause 9.1.4.

Following their expulsion, both assemblymen became independent representatives. However, Sanusi had previously said they were not part of the opposition because they continued to support the Perikatan Nasional-led Kedah government.

Earlier, Bersatu had requested that the Kedah government replace the exco member and deputy speaker. However, Sanusi said no action was taken at that time because both men had not yet faced party disciplinary action.

After the official expulsion letters were received, Sanusi said any further action involving their posts would still be subject to the proper appointment procedures. He had also said the matter could be referred to the Sultan of Kedah, Al Aminul Karim Sultan Sallehuddin Sultan Badlishah, for consideration.

The latest decision is politically significant because it breaks from the usual practice in Malaysia, where representatives who leave or are sacked from their parties often lose government-linked posts shortly afterwards. The Star noted that Kedah’s case appears unusual because independent assemblymen rarely hold state government positions.

Sanusi, who is also Kedah Perikatan Nasional chairman, said he had informed the PAS central working committee during a special meeting in Terengganu that Kedah had no political issues. He maintained that the state government remains stable despite the disciplinary dispute involving Bersatu.

The matter also highlights the complex relationship between party discipline and state government administration. While Bersatu has removed the two assemblymen from the party, the Kedah government is treating their executive and legislative roles separately from their party membership status.

From a political perspective, the decision allows the Kedah administration to avoid immediate disruption in the state exco and assembly leadership. Replacing an exco member or deputy speaker could require additional administrative steps and political negotiation among parties supporting the state government.

At the same time, the move may raise questions within Bersatu and Perikatan Nasional over whether state government stability should take priority over party disciplinary decisions. Bersatu’s request for replacements shows that the party expected the state government to act on the expulsions, but Sanusi has chosen continuity for now.

The case could also become a reference point for future political disputes involving state assemblymen who are removed from their parties but still support the ruling government. It raises a broader question over whether government posts should automatically follow party status, or whether the Menteri Besar and state administration can retain individuals based on performance and political support.

For now, Kedah’s position is clear. Dzowahir and Abdul Razak will continue serving in their respective posts, while Sanusi maintains that the state government remains stable and focused on administration despite the Bersatu expulsions.