Kelantan Bersatu chief confirms dismissal as state exco

KOTA BARU: The Kelantan Bersatu chief, Datuk Kamaruddin Md Nor, has officially disclosed receiving a letter terminating his role as the state executive councillor for tourism, culture, arts and heritage. In a brief conversation with the New Straits Times, Kamaruddin stated that he received the letter today, but refrained from disclosing further details. He mentioned that he will address the issue during a press conference the following day.

Kamaruddin, who represents Ayer Lanas, affirmed that the decision would not impact the party. Previously, he had heard rumors about his potential dismissal but had not yet received an official letter from the state government. Serving as a state exco member since August 2023, Kamaruddin has also led Kelantan Bersatu for ten years.

The decision by the Pas-led state government is speculated to have been made amidst the ongoing political discord between Pas and Bersatu, the two main parties in Perikatan Nasional (PN), following their political cooperation's breakdown. This rift intensified in May when Pas president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang announced the party's intention to reassess its cooperation with Bersatu due to differences in political direction and internal party matters.

On June 8, Pas decided to end all political ties with Bersatu after a special meeting of its central working committee. This decision has raised questions about the future of Bersatu members holding positions in Pas-led state governments, including Kelantan.

It is also reported that Kelantan Menteri Besar Datuk Mohd Nassuruddin Daud will deliver a special press conference on the matter tomorrow.