This organization shall be known as “PARTI BERSATU SABAH” (PBS) or in English “SABAH UNITED PARTY” hereinafter referred to as ‘the Party’.
Article 2 REGISTERED ADDRESS
The Registered Address which shall be at the
Headquarters of the Party shall be at Block M,
Article 3 SYMBOL AND BADGE
(i) The
SYMBOL and the BADGE of the Party shall be two hands clasped in handshake over
the green map of Sabah outlined in bold brown border inside a brown-sided
square with the words ‘PARTI BERSATU SABAH’ below it. The ‘handshake’ shall
signify unity, friendship and cooperation among the people of Sabah; the colour ‘green’ shall
signify the wealth with
special emphasis on the agro-based nature of the State of Sabah; the colour
‘brown’ shall signify the fertility of its soil and the shape ‘square’ shall
signify equality and justice among all the
people in Sabah.
(ii) The
Supreme Council may make rules for the use of, or any matters connected with
the symbol and badge of the Party.
(Please see Appendix ‘A’)
Article 4 FLAG
(i) The
flag of the Party shall be:-
(a)
the
part nearest to the rope shall be red which shall signify courage;
(b)
the
centre shall be white which signifies purity and superimposed with the symbol
and badge of the Party; and
(c)
the
end portion shall be blue which shall signify peace and tranquility.
(Please see Appendix ‘B’)
(ii) The Supreme Council may make rules for
the use of, or on any matters connected with the Party’s flag.
Article 4A MOTTO
The motto of the
Party shall be BERSATU which shall signify the foundation and means for the
Party to pursue and achieve its aims and objects.
CHAPTERS II
AIMS AND OBJECTS
Article 5 AIMS
AND OBJECTS
The aims and objects of the Party shall be:-
(i)
To
uphold, maintain and ensure the continued and proper process and practice of
Parliamentary Democracy.
(ii)
To
uphold the Dignity of Man.
(iii)
To
promote goodwill and work towards peace, progress, harmony and understanding so
as to ensure a proper process of integration and unity among all races in Malaysia, particularly in Sabah.
(iv)
To
preserve and to protect the rights and interests of Sabah within the Federation
of Malaysia.
(v)
To
protect and safeguard the rights and special privileges of the local bumiputera
and the legitimate interests of other
Malaysian citizens in Sabah.
(vi)
To
protect, preserve and to promote the traditional customs, and cultures of all
the peoples of Sabah.
(vii)
To
ensure and uphold without conditions the practice of religious freedom.
(viii) To promote awareness of being a Malaysian
and of loyalty to King and Country.
(ix)
To
uphold support and maintain the principles of RUKUNEGARA in the true sense of
the word and noble spirit.
(x)
To
work with other Malaysian registered political organisations with similar aims
and objects so as to ensure and encourage the healthy development of party
politics; and to do all that is necessary and incidental to the above aims and
objects towards a just, stable, harmonious and prosperous society.
CHAPTER III
MEMBERSHIP
Article 6 QUALIFICATION
FOR MEMBERSHIP
(i) Any citizen of Malaysia who is residing in
Sabah or in the Federal Territory of Labuan and is not less that
eighteen years of age, who accepts and
subscribes to the Party’s Constitution, programmes, policies and
principles, and who is not a member of any other political party may become a
member of a Party.
(ii) Any
member who:-
(a) wittingly applies/or declares himself to
be member of another political Party or otherwise acts or conducts himself
howsoever which is likely to be detrimental to the interest of
the Party or any of its Division shall forthwith cease to be a member of
the Party.
(b) had been proven to have given or employed
or accepted money or presents or favour whatsoever or misconducted himself
howsoever if the same are intended or for the purpose to garner and secure
support whether for himself or otherwise
for an election to any post within the Party shall cease to be a member of the
Party as from the date when the member is found quilty by the Party
Disciplinary Committee.
Article 7 APPLICATION
FOR MEMBERSHIP
Any person who wishes to become a member shall
submit his application in the prescribed form together with the payments of the
entrance fee and the subscription prescribed for in Article 8 of this
Constitution to the Secretary of the
Branch in which he applies for membership.
Article 8 SUBSCRIPTION
(i)
Every
member shall pay to the Party Headquarters through his Branch and Division his
yearly subscription.
(ii)
The
Annual Subscription of a member shall be RM1.00.
(iii)
There
shall be an entrance fee of RM2.00.
(iv)
Any
annual subscriptions except the first subscription of a new members are provided
by Article 7, shall be payable in the first month of each financial year.
(v)
The
entrance fees and subscriptions collected under Clauses (ii) and (iii) of this Article shall be
submitted by the Divisional Secretary to the Treasurer-General
within one month after the receipt od such sums.
(vi)
The
Supreme Council shall decide from time to time the percentage of subscription
to be held by the Branches and Divisions as Branch Funds and Division Funds to
meet their expenses.
(vii)
The Treasurer-General
shall allocate to the Divisions and Branches such proportion of such money
collected as may be approved by the
Supreme Council to meet their respective expenses.
Article 9 ADMISSIONS
OF MEMBERS
(i)
The
Branch Secretary shall submit every application for membership to the meeting
of the Branch Committee as soon as
possible for its consideration.
(ii)
The
Branch Committee shall decide on all applications for membership and may by
voting approve or refuse the application or postpone consideration without
assigning any reason for its decision.
(iii)
Any
applicant whose application for membership has been refused by a Branch
Committee, may appeal first to the Divisional Committee for its consideration
and then to the Supreme Council whose decision shall be final.
(iv)
An ex-member whose membership had
ceased through expulsion or withdrawal cannot be readmitted as a member without
the prior approval of the Supreme Council.
Article 10 RIGHTS
OF MEMBERS
(i) Unless otherwise provided for in this
Constitution a member, so long as he has
not ceased to be a member for any reason, shall be entitled to:-
(a) attend
and speak at all meetings which he is entitled to attend;
(b)
vote
at all meetings in which he is entitled to vote;
(c)
hold
such office in the Party to which he may be duly elected or appointed; and
(d)
have
access to and make reasonable use of such facilities as the party may provide.
(ii)
If any member shall without reasonable
excuse fail to pay the yearly subscription
within one month of such subscription becoming due, his rights as a
member shall be suspended and such member shall not be recognised as a member
until such subscription is paid.
Article 11 RESIGNATION
OF MEMBERS
A member may resign his membership by giving
notice in writing to the Branch Secretary who shall report such resignation to
the Branch Committee.
A copy of the letter of resignation shall be forwarded
by the Branch Secretary to the Divisional
Secretary and the Secretary-General respectively provided that if the
case of a member who ceases to be member by operation of Article 6(ii) shall
be deemed to have resigned from the Party whether or not a notice of his resignation
is received.
CHAPTER IV
REGISTERS
AND MEMBERSHIP CARDS
Article 12 MEMBERSHIP
REGISTER
(i)
Every
Divisional and every Branch Office shall each keep a Register of all its
members.
(ii)
The
Party Headquarters shall keep a Register of all members.
(iii)
The
Supreme Council may make rules concerning the Register of members.
Article 13 MEMBERSHIP
CARDS
(i)
Every
member shall possess a membership card.
(ii)
Membership
cards shall be issued by the Secretary-General.
(iii)
A
member shall not be recognised as such unless he is in possession of a
membership card, and has paid his subscription for the current year. Provided
that a member shall be recognised as such if he is able to prove that he is a
member of the Party.
(iv)
The
Supreme Council may make rules concerning the Membership cards.
CHAPTER V
HEADQUARTERS ORGANISATION AND ADMINISTRATION
Article 14 EXECUTIVE
COMMITTEE
(i) There shall be an Executive Committee
comprising of the following Party Officials:-
(a)
The
President;
(b)
Three (3) Deputy
Presidents;
(c)
Seven
Vice Presidents, including the Leader of the Youth Movement and the Leader of
the Women Movement;
(d)
The
Secretary-General;
(dd)
The Assistant Secretary-General;
(e)
The
Treasure-General;
(ee)
The Assistant Treasurer-General;
(f)
The
Chief Publicity Officer; and
(g)
The Assistant Chief Publicity Officer.
(ii)
The
President, the three (3) Deputy Presidents and five (5) of the
Vice Presidents other than the Leader of the Youth Movement and the Leader of
the Women’s Movement shall be elected
from among ordinary members by the Annual
Delegates Conference of the year in which elections are held.
(iii)
The Officials specified in paragraph (d), (dd), (e), (ee), (f) and (g) of Clause (i) of this Article shall be appointed by the President after
consultation with the Supreme Council and shall hold office until the next
election of Party Officials in the Annual Delegates Conference or until they
resign or are removed by the Supreme Council for any reason or when the
President relinquishes his office.
(iv)
Subject
to the provisions of Article 63 of this Constitution, the names of the
Candidates for election to the offices referred to in clause (ii) of Article 14 and clause (f)
of Article 21 shall be nominated by the respective Divisional
Committee of the Party provided
that such names shall only be put for election of office if
nominated by not less than three (3) Divisions and after a written
consent to that effect is given by the candidates concerned. Election shall
thereon shall be by simple majority vote of the delegates conferennces or
Annual General Meetings as the case may be.
Article 15 HEADQUARTERS
ADMINISTRATION
(i)
The
Executive Committee referred to in Article 14 of this Constitution shall be
responsible for the Central administration of the Party which shall be
established at the Headquarters of the Party or at such other places as may be
determined by the Supreme Council.
(ii)
The
President shall be responsible for the proper day-to-day administration of the
Party’s Headquarters and in his absence, he may appoint his Deputy to take his
place. He shall preside all Supreme
Council meetings. He shall have a
casting vote and shall sign the minutes of every meeting to signify the approval
of such minutes.
(iii)
(a) The President shall appoint
one of the Deputy President to deputise for him during his absence.
(b) The Vice Presidents shall assist the
President and the Deputy Presidents in their performance of their duties and
shall carry out such directives and activities as may be assigned to them by
the Supreme Council from time to time. In the event of the absence of the
President and the three Deputy Presidents, the Supreme Council
shall by a resolution appoint one from amongst the Vice Presidents to deputise
for the President during his absence.
(iv)
The
Secretary-General shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the Party’s
Headquarters and shall be deemed to be its Public Officer. He shall conduct the
daily business of the Party in accordance with its rules and shall carry out
the instructions of the Annual Delegates Conference and of the Supreme Council.
He shall be responsible for conducting all correspondences and to keep proper
custody of Party’s files, books and other documents belonging to the Party. He
shall attend all meetings conducted by the Supreme Council and he shall be
responsible for recording the minutes of such meetings. He shall keep proper
maintenance of the Party’s premises and to liaise with all the Divisions
relating to the Party. The Secretary-General shall within twenty-eight (28)
days after the holding of the Annual Delegates Conference send to the Registrar
of Societies an Annual Return of receipts and payments, funds and effects of
the Party as audited and shall enclose therewith a copy of the Auditor’s Report, if any.
(iva) The Assistant Secretary-General shall assist the
Secretary-General in the performance of his duties as specified in Clause (iv)
of this Article and shall deputise for the
Secretary-General during the latter’s absence.
(v)
No
appointment shall be made to the staff of the Secretary-General without the
approval of the President acting on the authority of the Supreme Council.
(vi)
The
Treasurer-General shall be responsible for all financial
interests of the Party. He shall be responsible for the proper management of
the Party’s Funds.
(via) The
Assistant Treasurer-General shall assist the Treasurer-General in the
performance of his duties as specified in Clause (vi) of this Article and shall
deputise for the Treasurer-General during the latter’s absence.
(vii)
The
Secretary-General and the Treasurer-General shall be paid
officials of the Party.
(viii) All Cheques shall be signed by the
Treasurer-General or in his absence, the Secretary-General and
any one of four (4) Executive Committee members as may be decided by the
Supreme Council.
(ix)
The
Chief Publicity Officer shall be responsible for the proper conduct of the
information section of the Party. He shall plan and organise civil and
political forums in liaison with all Divisions of the Party as and when
necessary. He shall be responsible to collect publications of other materials
which are connected or, of the interests of the Party. He shall refer the
publications of other materials to the Supreme Council if and when necessary.
He shall, before releasing any press or other outgoing statements from the
Party refer such press or outgoing statements to the President or the
Secretary-General for scrutiny.
(ixa) The
Assistant Chief Publicity Officer shall assist the Chief Publicity Officer in
the performance of his duties as specified in Clause (ix) of this Article and
shall deputise for the Chief Publicity Officer during the latter’s absence.
(x)
The
other Committee members shall assist in the administration of the Party
Headquarters and may be assigned with such special duties as may be determined
by the President from time to time.
CHAPTER VI
FINANCE AND PROPERTY
Article 16 SOURCES OF INCOME
The income of the Party shall be derived fron the following sources:
(a) Subscriptions;
(b) Donations;
(c) Such other sources as may be approved by
the Supreme Council or by such appropriate Sub-Committee as may be approved by
the Supreme Council; and
(d) A member who is also member of the Senate
or the House of Representatives or the State Legislative assembly or who is
holding a post designated by the Supreme Council shall make such monthly
payment as may be fixed by the Supreme
Council to the Party Headquarters. In
the event of such member refusing or failing to pay, the Supreme Council may
take such action as may be appropriate,
including expulsion of such member, subject nevertheless to the
provisions of Article 31 of this Constitution.
Article 17 FINANCIAL
YEAR
(i)
The
Financial Year shall be from 1st January to the 31st December of each year.
(ii)
The
Subscription Year shall be the same as the Financial Year.
(iii)
The
offices of the Branches and Divisions shall submit to the Secretary-General
their respective Yearly Reports and Statement of Accounts duly audited and
adopted.
Article 18 PARTY ASSETS AND
CUSTODY OF PARTY MONEY
(i)
All
party monies, except petty cash, shall be kept in a Bank in the name of the
Party.
(ii)
All
cheques shall be signed by the officials referred to in Article 15 Clause (viii) of this Constitution
in the case of Party Headquarters Account and by the respective Committee in
the case of Division or Branch Account.
(iii)
A
Division shall be entitled to all monies, lands, buildings and other property
of a Branch which has been dissolved.
(iv)
The
Supreme Council shall be entitled to all monies, lands, buildings and other
property of a Division which has been dissolved.
(v)
The Supreme
Council may make rules and regulations in connection with the control
disposition and handling of property of the Party at all levels of its
organisation and from one level to another from time to time.
Article 19 BOARD OF TRUSTEES
(i)
There
shall be a Board of Trustees consisting of three members who shall be appointed
by the Annual Delegates Conference.
(ii)
The
Party Headquarters, any Division or Branch may acquire land, building and other
property either by purchase or otherwise dispose of such land or building or
other property in accordance with the law applicable to such transactions. All lands, buildings and other property,
except money deposited with the bank, shall be vested and held in trust for the
Party by the Board of Trustees.
(iii)
The
Trustees shall hold office until death, resignation or removal from office by
the Annual Delegates Conference for any reason whatever. When any trustees
cease to hold office, the fact shall be reported to the Annual Delegates
Conference at a meeting subsequent to the event.
(iv)
In
the interim period before an Annual Delegates Conference the Supreme council
may appoint another member to be a Trustee and such appointment shall also be
reported to the Annual Delegates Conference.
Article 20 AUDITORS
(i)
The
Annual Delegates Conference shall appoint a firm of accountants to audit the
accounts of the Party.
(ii)
The
Divisional General Meeting and the Branch General Meeting shall appoint two
members to audit their respective accounts and the Statement of Accounts
together with the Auditor’s Report shall be tabled at their respective Annual
Meetings.
(iii)
The
Supreme Council or its authorised representative may at any time inspect the
accounts of the Divisions and Branches.
(iv)
The Supreme Council may make Rules
regulating the manner in which the accounts are to be kept.
CHAPTER VII
THE SUPREME COUNCIL
Article 21 COMPOSITION OF THE
SUPREME COUNCIL
There shall, subject to provisions of Clauses (ii),
(iii) and (iv) of Article 14 and of Article 63 of this Constitution,
be a Supreme Council which shall consist of the following Officers and shall be
termed as the “Office bearers” of the Party.
(a) The President;
(b)
The Three
Deputy Presidents;
(c)
The
Seven Vice Presidents, including the Leader of the Youth Movement and the
Leader of the Women’s Movement;
(cc) The Four (4)Vice Presidents appointed by
the President;
(d) The Secretary-General;
(dd) The Assistant Secretary-General;
(e) The Treasurer-General;
(ee) The Assistant Treasurer-General;
(f)
Not
more than sixteen (16) Ordinary Council Members to be elected by the Annual
Delegates Conference of the year in which elections are held;
(g)
The
Chief Publicity Officer;
(gg) The Assistant Chief Publicity
Officer; and
(h) Not
more than 12 Ordinary Council Members to be appointed by the President.
Article 22 SUPREME COUNCIL MEETING
AND QUORUM
(i) The
Supreme Council shall meet at least once in every three months or when directed
by the President or on the written requisition of at least one-third of the
members of the Supreme Council . Seven (7) days notice of each meeting shall be
given to the members.
(ii)
The
presence of half the numbers of members of the Supreme Council shall form a
quorum for a meeting of the Supreme Council.
Article 22 POWERS OF THE SUPREME
COUNCIL
(i) The Supreme Council shall
be the body responsible for the administration of the affairs of the Party
under the authority and direction of the
Annual Delegates Conference.
(ii) The
Supreme Council shall have the power to do all acts, either general or specific
on behalf of the Annual Delegates Conference between one meeting of the Annual
Delegates Conference and the next but it must report its activities to the
Annual Delegates Conference.
(iii)
Not-withstanding
Clause (ii) of Article 25 of this Constitution, if the President shall cease to
hold office the Supreme Council shall elect any one of the three (3)
Deputy Presidents to act in that office until a President shall have
been elected at the Annual Delegates Conference in which elections are held.
PROVIDED that in the
event of that Acting President ceasing to hold office for any reason before a
President shall have been elected by a meeting of the Annual Delegates
Conference, the remaining members of the Supreme Council shall elect one
of the remaining Deputy Presidents or one of the Vice Presidents to be the
Acting President.
Article 24 DUTIES
AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE SUPREME COUNCIL
(i) The
duties and responsibilities of the Supreme Council shall be:
(a)
to
formulate principles, political programmes and policies, including economic,
educational, cultural, welfare and social policies to be presented to the Annual Delegates Conference;
(b)
to
recommend members for appointment to the Senate and to select candidates for
Parliamentary and the State Elections as proposed by the Divisional Committees;
(c)
to
control, supervise and decide on all matters connected with any elections;
(d)
to
co-operate and work with other organisations either inside or outside Sabah but
within Malaysia on political or other matters which are not inconsistent with
the provisions of this Constitution;
(e)
to select members to represent
the Party in any assembly or council or similar bodies;
(f)
to
confirm and grant recognition to the establishment of a Division and to see
that its activities conform to the Constitution of the Party;
(g)
to
supervise and direct the activities and administration of the Divisions so as
to promote their well-being;
(h)
to
settle, with the consent of the parties concerned, any dispute which may arise
within the Party;
(i)
to
table before the Annual Delegates Conference a
report of its activities and progress made during the previous year
together with the Statement of Account which has been audited and passed;
(j)
to
send the Divisions the Annual Report together with the notice of meeting of the
Annual Delegates Conference at least forty-five (45) days before
the date of the Annual Delegates Conference;
(k)
to carry out the provisions of this Constitution, the Standing Order and
Rules, regulations and by-laws of the Party; and decisions of the Annual
Delegates Conference, to enforce discipline and to take such steps as may be necessary in order to ensure
compliance even to the extent of suspending or removing a member or dissolving
a Division or a Branch; and
(l)
to
take such other steps not enumerated in the preceding clauses of this Article
for the well-being of the Party;
(iii)
In
carrying out any of the functions enumerated in the preceding paragraphs of
clause (i) of this Article or under any other provisions of this Constitution,
the Supreme Council shall have the powers:-
(a)
to
appoint from time to time Committees or Sub-Committees with such powers to
co-opt as they may deem fit to consider and deal with specific matters as may
be necessary;
(b)
to
determine and provide terms of reference for such Committees or Sub-Committees
as it may think fit and to make such
Standing Orders or Rules or Regulations as may be necessary for the conduct of
their business. Such Committees or
Sub-Committees shall be responsible to the Supreme Council.
(c)
To appoint a Permanent Chairman and a Deputy Permanent Chairman, who shall
hold office subject to Article 63, to preside and conduct all Annual Delegates Conference and Annual General
Meetings of Divisions, Branch and the Youth and Women Movements at all levels
as the case may be in accordance with the terms of reference stipulated by the
Supreme Council and/or the Standing Orders and Rules of the Party.
Provided that the Supreme Council may authorise the Division and Branch
Committee of the Youth and Women Movements at all levels to appoint their
respective Permanent Chairman and the Deputy Permanent Chairman as it may deem
fit.
Article 25 RESIGNATION
(i) If two thirds or more of the members of
the Supreme Council resign simulataneously then the remaining members of
the Supreme Council irrespective of their number shall continue to administer
the affairs of the Party and shall have
power to reconstitute the Supreme Council until the next Annual Delegates
Conference.
(ii)
A
member of the Supreme Council may resign his office by giving his reason to the
Secretary-General who shall submit it to the Supreme Council. If the
resignation is accepted, the Supreme Council shall have the power to appoint any
member to fill in the vacancy. In the case of the Secretary-General,
the Treasurer-General or the Chief Publicity Officer or any
appointed member resigning or
ceasing from holding office by reason of death or removed or for whatsoever
reason the President shall have the power to appoint another member of the
Party to fill the vacancy.
Provided that a vacancy arising by operation of Article 6 (ii) may
thereafter be filled at any time by the Supreme Council in the caseof an elected Supreme Council
Member and by the President in the case
of a nominated member.
(iii)
In
the event of any of the elected members of the Supreme Council ceasing to hold
office due to death, resignation, or removal by the Annual Delegates
Conference, the Supreme Council shall have the power to appoint another member
to fill the vacancy until the Annual Delegates Conference of the year in which
elections are held.
CHAPTER VIII
THE ANNUAL DELEGATES CONFERENCE
Article 26 SUPREME AUTHORITY
(a)
Subject
to the provisions of this Constitution and to the Standing Orders and Rules of
the Annual Delegates Conference the Supreme Authority of the Party shall be the
Annual Delegates Conference and all executive functions shall be exercised
under the authority and directions of the Annual Delegates Conference.
(b)
The
duties of the Annual Delegates Conference shall be in addition to the duties
specified in Article 27 clause (c) of this Constitution be to:-
(i)
Determine
the Party Policies;
(ii)
Supervise
activities and works of the Supreme Council;
(iii)
Subject
to Article 63 to elect members of the Supreme Council.
(c)
The
responsibilities, the duties and, without prejudice to the generality of its
powers conferred by this Constitution, the powers of the Annual Delegates
Conference shall, in addition to all the
powers of the Supreme Council, Divisional and Branch Committees, be as
follows:-
(i)
To
regulate its own proceedings direct, manage and control the affairs of the
Party and act in the name of the Party;
(ii)
To
grant affiliation to any organisation registered within Malaysia having aims
similar to those of the Party and to
withdraw such affiliation if the interests of the Party require it;
(iii)
To
add, to repeal, amend, substitute or alter any Article of this Constitution as
it shall think expedient for the attainment of any of the objects of the Party
or for the better management thereof;
(iv)
To
promote or oppose legislative and other measures affecting or likely to affect the
members of the Party, to communicate with public authorities and with kindred
bodies on all matters affecting the interests of members and co-operate with
other organisations or bodies in such
matters;
(v)
To
delegate with or without powers to sub-delegate and subject to such conditions
as it may think fit, all or any of its powers, except the power to effect
changes to this Constitution to the Supreme Council or any other Committees or
Sub-Committees;
(vi)
To
deal with all matters pertaining to the Party not specifically provided by
these provisions.
Article 27 THE
ANNUAL DELEGATES CONFERENCE AND EXTRA-ORDINARY DELEGATES CONFERENCE
(a) The Annual Delegates Conference shall meet not later than a month of October in each year unless otherwise decided by the President.
(b) A preliminary notice of the Annual Delegates Conference stating the time, date and place of meeting, calling for motions for debate during the Conference and amendments to this Constitution, shall be sent by the Secretary-General to all Divisional Secretaries not later than forty-five (45) days before the date fixed for the Conference and all Divisional meetings shall be held not later than thirty (30) days before the date fixed for Annual Delegates Conference unless ordered otherwise by the Supreme Council.
(c) The Annual Delegates Conference shall transact the following business:-
(i) to confirm the Minutes of the last Annual Delegates Conference;
(ii) to receive the report from the Supreme Council reviewing the Party’s activities and progress during the previous year;
(iii) to receive the Treasurer-General’s report and the audited Accounts of the Party for the previous year;
(iv) to appoint auditors for the ensuing year;
(v) to decide on any motion resolution of any Division of the Party which has given not less than 21 days notice before the Annual Delegates Conference and approved by the Supreme Council to be debated during the Annual Delegates Conference or such motion or resolution of the Supreme Council, which in the event of being urgent in nature as certified by the President, a shorter notice may be given under the hand of the Secretary-General.
(d) The names of Delegates, motions for discussions and other proposals shall be sent by the Divisional Secretaries to the Secretary-General immediately after convening the Divisional General Meeting.
(e) The Secretary-General shall furnish all Divisional Secretaries with the Agenda of the Conference, copies of previous Minutes and audited Accounts of the Party for the preceding year.
(f) An Extra-ordinary Delegates Conference may be held at any time:-
(i) if directed by the President; or
(ii) if requested in writing by at least one-third of the members of the Supreme Council; or
(iii) if requested in writing by at least one-third of the number of delegates appointed to the Delegates Conference.
(g) An extra-ordinary Delegates Conference other than that directed by the President can only be convened if the reasons are given in writing to the Secretary-General, and at least thirty (30) days prior notice must be given of the date and time of the meeting and the agenda for discussion.
PROVIDED that on a certificate of urgency stating the reasons therefore signed by the President a shorter notice of not less than seven (7) days may be given.
AND PROVIDED FURTHER that any notice by less than seven (7) days shall not invalidate the proceedings of any Delegates Conference if non-compliance with this Article and its proviso is ratified by a resolution of the Delegates Conference concerned.
(h) (i) A quorum for all Delegates Conferences shall be considered as having been formed if the delegates present, irrespective of their total number, represent more than half the total number of Divisions in the Party.
(ii) If half an hour after the time appointed for a Delegates Conference a quorum is not present, the Conference shall be postponed to date (not exceeding fourteen (14) days to be decided by the Supreme Council; and if a quorum is not present half an hour after the time appointed for the postponed conference, the delegates present shall have the power to proceed with the business of the day but they shall not have power to alter the Rules of the Party or to make decisions affecting the whole membership.
(iii) In the case of an Extra-Ordinary Delegates Conference convened under clause (f) of this Article if there is insufficient quorum the Conference shall not be requisitioned for the same purpose until after the lapsed of least six months from the date thereof.
Article 28 COMPOSITION OF
THE ANNUAL DELEGATES CONFERENCE
The Annual Delegates Conference shall consist of:-
(a) the members of the Supreme Council;
(b) Not more than 10 delegates duly appointed by the respective Annual Divisional General Meeting of the Party;
(c) the Chairman of every Divisional Committee or, if such Chairman is unable to be present himself, any member of the Divisional Committee appointed by him in writing to attend on his behalf;
(d) ten (10) delegates elected by the General Meeting of the Party’s Youth Movement;
(e) ten (10) delegates elected by the General Meeting of the Party’s Women Movement; and
(f)
the Party’s members who are
also Member of Parliament or of the
Article 29 COMPOSITION OF
THE EXTRA-ORDINARY DELEGATES CONFERENCE
Any Extra-Ordinary Delegates Conference shall be attended by the same members as those for the previous Annual Delegates Conference as provided in Article 28 above. The nature of business to be discussed at the above Conference shall be confined only on items requested for when making applications under Article 27.
The quorum for the above Conference is provided under Article 27 clause (h) of this Constitution.
Article 30 SUBSTITUTION OF DELEGATES
i)
In the event of
any delegate of a Division to the Annual Delegates Conference is unable to
attend, the Divisional Secretary may
before the Annual Delegates Conference apply in writing to the Secretary
General for the appointment of another delegate.
ii) In the event of a delegate being elected a member of the Supreme Council, his delegation may make application for the appointment of another delegate. Such application shall be made at the meeting of the Annual Delegates Conference.
Article 31 DISMISSAL OR
EXPULSION OF OFFICIAL OR MEMBER
(i) The Annual Delegates Conference may dismiss or expel any elected or appointed member of the Supreme Council if approval by at least two-thirds of the number of delegates present at the meeting of the Annual Delegates Conference.
(ii) The Supreme Council may dismiss or expel any appointed or elected member of the Supreme Council who is shrinking from his responsibilities and whose conduct and behavior render him unfit to be a member of the Supreme Council or for any other reasons.
CHAPTER
IX
DIVISION
Article 32 ESTABLISHMENT OF DIVISIONS
(i) There shall be established a Division in every State Assembly Constituency provided that the requirement of this Article may be waived or varied by the Supreme Council if it thinks fit to do so.
For
the clearance of doubt the establishment of a division under this article shall
include the establishment of a division in the
(ii) Every Division shall have at least 500 members whose subscriptions must be up-to-date and its establishment must be approved by the Supreme Council.
(iii) Subject to the provisions of this Constitution and of Standing Orders and Rules of the Annual Delegates Conference, the Executive Authority of a Division shall be vested in the Divisional General Meeting and all executive functions shall be carried out under the authority and directions of the Divisional General Meeting.
Article 33 THE DIVISIONAL OFFICE
(i) The Secretariat of the Division shall be the Divisional Office.
(ii) The Divisional Office may be located at any place within the Division as may be approved by the Divisional Committee.
(iii) No appointment shall be made to the staff of the Divisional Office without the approval of the Divisional Chairman.
Article 34 DISSOLUTION OF A DIVISION
(i) The Supreme Council may be a majority vote taken at a Supreme Council meeting dissolve a Division if such Division refuses to abide by the Party Standing Orders and Rules or refuses to comply with any decision made by the Delegates Conference or is guilty of conduct detrimental to the Party. PROVIDED that before a decision is taken to dissolve any such Division as hereinabove provided that Division shall be given thirty (30) days notice in writing to answer the allegation made against it as to why it should not be dissolved.
(ii) The order to dissolve a Division shall be signified by the Secretary-General and upon receipt of such an order that Division shall thereupon cease the function except for the purpose of winding-up. Such Division may by notice in writing addressed to the Secretary-General within thirty (30) days of its receipt appeal against such order for determination by the next Delegates Conference. Notwithstanding such appeal, the order of dissolution shall remain operative until set aside by the Delegates Conference but in such a case the Supreme Council may appoint from among its members a caretaker Divisional Committee to deal with the affairs of that Division pending the determination of the appeal.
Article 35 ANNUAL GENERAL
MEETING AND EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETINGS
(i) The Annual Division General Meeting shall be held once a year not later than the month of August unless otherwise directed by the Supreme Council.
(ii) The Divisional Secretary shall issue a notice to all Branches notifying them about the convening of the Annual Divisional Meeting. Such notice must be sent not later than fourteen (14) days before such meeting is held.
(iii) The Annual Divisional Meeting shall transact the following business:-
(a) to receive reports of the previous year on the activities of the Division;
(b) to receive reports of the previous year on the financial accounts of the Division;
(c) subject to Article 63, to elect new office-bearers of the Division;
(d) to appoint delegates to represent the Division on an Annual Delegates Conference of the Party; and
(e) to discuss any other business.
(iv) An Extraordinary General Meeting may be held at any time:
(a) If required by the Divisional Chairman; or
(b) On the written application of at least one-third of the members of the Divisional Committee; or
(c) On the written application of at least one half of the number of delegates appointed to the Divisional General Meeting; or
(d) As directed by the Secretary-General.
(iv) The request mentioned in Sub-Clauses (b) and (c) of Clause (iv) hereinabove must set out full reasons for making the request, giving at least twenty one (21) days notice in writing to the Divisional Secretary and specifying the date and time of the Extraordinary General Meeting and the agenda for discussion.
Article 36 COMPOSITION OF DIVISIONAL GENERAL MEETINGS
The Annual Divisional General Meeting shall consist of:-
(a) The members of the Divisional Committee;
(b) The Chairman of every Branch within the Division or in his absence a member of the Branch Committee appointed by him;
(d) Not more than five (5) delegates from the Youth Movement as elected by its Divisional General Meeting and
(e) Not more than five (5) delegates from the Women's Movement as elected by its Divisional General Meeting;
(f) Delegates appointed by Branches at their General Meeting being one delegate for first 50 members and a maximum of 10 delegates from each branch.
In the
event that Article 52(vi)(b) applies where any number of members present forms
the quorum, then those present shall constitute half the number required for
the purpose of determining the number delegates from that Branch.
Article 37 COMPOSITION OF
THE EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING
An Extraordinary Divisional General Meeting shall have the same members as for the previous Annual Divisional General Meeting stated in Article 36 of this Constitution.
Article 38 SUBSTITUTION OF DELEGATES
i) In the event of a
delegate of any Branch to the Annual
Divisional General Meeting is unable to attend, the Branch Secretary may
before the meeting apply in writing to the Divisional Secretary for the
appointment of another delegate.
ii) In the event of a delegate being appointed a member of the Divisional Committee his delegation may apply that his place be taken by another. Such application shall be made at the Annual Divisional General Meeting.
Article 39 DISMISSAL
The Divisional General Meetings shall have the power to remove from office any member of the Divisional Committee if approved by at least two-thirds of the members present at the meetings of the Divisional General Meetings.
Article 40 THE DIVISIONAL COMMITTEE
(i) The Divisional Committee shall consist of:-
(a) The Chairman;
(b) The Deputy Chairman;
(c) Four Vice-Chairmen including one from the Youth Movement and one from the Women's Movement;
(d) The Secretary;
(dd) The Assistant Secretary;
(e) The Treasurer;
(ee) The Assistant Treasurer;
(f) The Publicity Officer;
(g) Not more than five (5) Ordinary Committee members to be elected by the Divisional General Meeting; and
(h) Not more than two (2) Ordinary Committee members to be appointed by the Divisional Chairman after consultation with the Divisional Committee.
(ii) The Chairman, the Deputy Chairman, the Vice Chairmen and members of the Divisional Committee mentioned in paragraph (g) of clause (i) hereof shall be elected by the Annual Divisional General Meeting in which the election is held. The names of Candidates shall be proposed in writing by not less than three Branches of the Division at their respective Annual General Meetings and after a consent in writing is given by the candidates, who shall contest for one post only, their names shall be printed in ballot papers according to the post they have chosen to contest and election thereon shall be by a simple majority vote.
(iii) The members specified in paragraphs (d), (dd), (e), (ee), (f) and (h)of clause (i) hereof shall be appointed by the Divisional Chairman after consultation with the Divisional Committee.
Article 41 DUTIES OF DIVISIONAL OFFICE BEARERS
(a) Duties of Divisional Office
Bearers:-
(1) The Divisional Chairman shall be responsible for the efficient administration of the Divisional Office. He shall during the term of office preside at all Committee Meetings and shall be responsible for their proper conduct. He shall have a casting vote and shall sign the minutes of each meeting at the time they approved.
(2) The Deputy Chairman shall assist the Chairman in the performance of his duties and shall deputise the Chairman during his absence or inability to act for whatsoever reason.
(3) The Vice Chairmen shall assist the Chairman or the Deputy Chairman in their duties and if both the Chairman and the Deputy Chairman cease to hold office for whatsoever reason, then the Divisional Committee shall elect one of the Vice Chairmen as the case may be.
(4) The Divisional Secretary shall be the Administrative Officer of the Divisional office. He shall conduct business of the Division in accordance with the rules of the Party and shall carry out the instructions of the General Meeting and of the Committee. He shall be responsible for conducting all correspondence and keeping the books, documents and papers except the account and financial records. He shall attend all meetings and record the proceedings.
(4a) The Assistant Secretary shall assist the Divisional Secretary in the performance of his duties as specified in paragraph (4) of this Article and shall deputise for the Divisional Secretary during the latter’s absence.
(5) The Treasure shall be responsible for the finances of the Division. He shall keep accounts of all its financial transactions and shall be responsible for their correctness. All cheques shall be signed on behalf of the Division by the Treasurer and countersigned by the Secretary or the Chairman.
(5a) The Assistant Treasurer shall assist the Treasurer in the performance of his duties as specified in paragraph (5) of this Article and shall deputise for the Treasurer during the latter’s absence.
(6) The Publicity Officer shall be in charge of all the Publicity works in the Division.
Article 42 AUTHORITY OF DIVISIONAL COMMITTEE
The Divisional Committee shall be the body responsible for running the affairs of the Division and empowered to exercise all functions and on behalf of the Division General Meeting between one Annual Meeting of the Divisional General Meeting and the next, but it shall report all its activities to the Annual Divisional General Meeting. It shall manage the affairs of the Division in accordance with this Constitution and the instructions of the Supreme Council and the Annual Delegates Conference.
Article 43 VACANCY
In the event
of any member of the Divisional Committee ceasing to hold office due to
death, resignation, removal or for whatsoever reason the Divisional Committee
irrespective of its numbers shall have powers to fill the vacancy or vacancies
anytime.
Article 44 RESIGNATION
Any member of the Divisional Committee may by letter resign giving his reasons to the Secretary who shall submit it to the Divisional Committee for its decision.
Article 45 MEETINGS
(i) The Divisional Committee shall meet at least once in two (2) months or at any time as may be directed by the Chairman or on the written request of not less than one-third of its members. Seven (7) days’ notice shall be given to all the members on any such meetings.
(ii) One half of the number of members of the Divisional Committee shall form a quorum.
Article 46 QUORUM
(i) The presence of at least one half of the members of Branch representative shall form a quorum for a Divisional General Meeting .
(ii) If after half and hour after the time appointed for the Divisional General Meeting a quorum is not present, the Divisional Secretary shall postpone such meeting to a date not exceeding fourteen (14) days from the date of postponement and if a quorum is not present half an hour after the time appointed for the postponed meeting any number of attendances shall be deemed a quorum and there shall be no further postponement.
Article 47 ABSENCE OF CHAIRMAN AND DEPUTY CHAIRMAN
At any meeting of the Divisional Committee, if the Chairman, the Deputy Chairman shall be absent, one of the Vice Chairmen mentioned in paragraph (c) of Clause (i) Article 40 shall be the Chairman of such meeting.
Article 48 ACTING DIVISIONAL CHAIRMAN
If the Divisional Chairman shall cease to hold office, the Deputy Chairman shall act in that office until a new Chairman shall have been elected at the next meeting of the Annual Divisional General Meeting in which elections are held.
Article 49 DUTIES, POWER AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The duties, powers and responsibilities of the Divisional Committee shall be:-
(a) to establish, subject to the agreement of the Supreme Council, Branches within the Division and to co-ordinate their activities in conformity with the provisions of this Constitution;
(b) to liaise with any Party or organizations within the Division on any political or other matters which are not inconsistent with this Constitution;
(c) to settle, with the consent of the parties concerned, any dispute which may arise in the Party within the Division;
(d) to recommend the expulsion or suspension of a member or the dissolution of a Branch to the Supreme Council;
(e) to recommend to the Divisional General Meeting the removal of any member of the Divisional Committee;
(f) to propose for the consideration of the Supreme Council the names of members for appointment to Municipal Councils, Town Boards and/or District Council within the Division;
(g) to propose for the consideration of the Supreme Council the names of members to represent the Party on any Board or Council within the Division;
(h) to lay before the Annual Divisional General Meeting a report on the activities of the Division and its progress during the past year together with a Statement of Account duly audited and passed;
(i) to send to the Branches the Annual Report and the Statement of Account at least fourteen (14) days before the date fixed for the Annual Divisional General Meeting;
(j) to enforce the provisions of this Constitution, the Standing Orders and Rules and Party discipline and to take such action as may be appropriate for bringing them into effect; and
(k) to carry out such directives or activities as may be directed by the Supreme Council.
CHAPTER X
BRANCHES
Article 50 ESTABLISHMENT OF
BRANCHES
(i) There shall be established a Branch in every polling district or in any other place as may be approved by the Divisional Committee.
(ii) The establishment of a Branch must be approved and recognised by the Divisional Committee.
(iii) A Branch shall not be established if membership is less than thirty (30) members.
(iv) Subject to the provisions of this Constitution and of the Party’s Standing Orders and Rules, the Executive authority of a Branch is vested in the Branch General Meeting and all executive functions shall be exercised by the Branch Committee.
Article 51 DISSOLUTION OF BRANCHES
(1) The Divisional Committee may dissolve a Branch:-
(a) If for a consecutive period of six (6) months the number of Branch members is below thirty (30); or
(b)
If the Branch refuses to abide
by the Orders or Rules of the Party or the decisions of the Divisional General
Meeting or the Divisional Committee or if it is in opinion of the Divisional
Committee guilty of conduct detrimental to the Party.
(2) A decision to dissolve a Branch shall be by a majority vote at a meeting of the Divisional Committee, provided that before a decision is taken to dissolve a Branch on the ground stated on paragraph (1) (b) of this Article the Branch concerned shall be given thirty (30) days’ notice for an opportunity to answer the allegations made against it.
(3) The order of dissolution shall be signed by the Divisional Secretary. On receipt of such order the Branch shall cease to function except for the purpose of winding up. Any Branch aggrieved by an order of dissolution may, by notice in writing to the Divisional Secretary within thirty (30) days of its receipt, lodge an appeal to the Annual Divisional General Meeting. Notwithstanding such appeal, the order of dissolution shall be operative until set aside by the Annual Divisional General Committee but in such circumstances the Divisional Committee may appoint from among its members a caretaker Committee to deal with the affairs of the Branch pending the hearing of the appeal.
(4) In the event of a Branch being dissolved for the reason stated in paragraph (1) (a) of this Article, the Divisional Committee shall transfer the remaining members to the nearest Branch, and in the event of a Branch being dissolved for reason stated in paragraph (1) (b) of this Article, the member shall cease to be members of the Party.
(5) It shall be the responsibilities of the Chairman, the Secretary and the Treasurer of such Branch to deliver to the Divisional Secretary all books, records, money and other property in the possession of the Branch, together with a Statement of Account of the Branch from the date of last submission of accounts to the date of the order of dissolution.
(6) If the members of a Branch decide to secede from the Party, its office bearers shall forthwith deliver to the Divisional Secretary all book, records, money and other property of the Party and shall forthwith prepare and deliver to the Divisional Secretary a Statement of Account as stated in paragraph (5) of this Article.
Article 52 GENERAL AND EXTRA-ORDINARY MEETINGS
(i) The Branch General Meeting shall be held
once a year not later than the
month of July unless otherwise directed by the Divisional Committee.
(ii) The Branch Secretary shall notify all Branch members about the date of the convening of the Annual Branch General Meeting. Such notice must be sent not later than fourteen (14) days before any such meeting is held.
(iii) The Annual Branch General Meeting shall transact the following business:-
(a) to receive reports of the previous year on the activities of the Branch;
(b) to receive reports of the previous year on the financial accounts of the Branch;
(c) subject to Article 63, to elect new office bearers of the Branch; and
(d) to discuss any other business.
(iv) An Extra-Ordinary Meeting of the Branch may be held at anytime:-
(a) if directed by the Branch Chairman; or
(b) if requested in writing by at least one half to the members of the Branch Committee; or
(c) if requested in writing by at least one-third of the members of the Branch; or
(d) if directed by the Divisional Committee.
(v) The request in paragraphs (b) and (c) of clause (iv) of this Article, must set out the full reasons for making the request giving at least twenty-one (21) days’ notice in writing to the Branch Secretary and specifying the date and time of the meeting and the agenda for discussion.
(vi) (a) One half of the members of the Branch shall form a quorum for a Branch General Meeting.
(c) If after half an hour after the time appointed for the Branch General Meeting a quorum is not present the Branch Secretary shall postpone such meeting to a date not exceeding fourteen (14) days from the date of postponement and if a quorum is not present half an hour after the time appointed for the postponement meeting any number of attendances shall be deemed a quorum and there shall be no further postponement.
Article 53 THE BRANCH COMMITTEE
(i) The Branch Committee should consist of:-
(a) The Chairman;
(b) The Deputy Chairman;
(bb) Two Vice-Chairmen
being the Leader of the Youth Movement and the Leader of the Women's Movement
if established in the Branch;
(c) The Secretary;
(cc)
The
Assistant-Secretary;
(d) The Treasurer;
(dd)
The Assistant
Treasurer;
(e) Not more than three (3) ordinary Committee members to be elected by the Branch General Meeting; and
(f) Not more than two (2) ordinary Committee members to be appointed by the Branch Chairman after consultation with the Branch Committee.
(ii)
(a)
The Chairman, the
Deputy Chairman and members of the Branch Committee mentioned in paragraph (e)
Clause (i) hereof shall be elected by the Branch General Meeting in which the
names of the candidates shall be proposed and seconded, subject to the consent of
the candidates, who shall contest for one post only, election thereon shall be
by a simple majority vote.
(b)
The members
specified in paragraphs (c), (cc), (d), (dd) and (f)of Clause (i)hereof shall
be appointed by the Branch Chairman after consultation with the Branch
Committee.
(iii) If the Branch Chairman shall cease to hold office, the Deputy Chairman shall act in that office until a new Chairman shall have been elected at the next Branch General Meeting.
(iv) In the event of any member of the Branch Committee ceasing to hold office due to death, resignation, or removal or for whatsoever reason the Branch Committee irrespective of its members shall have the power to fill the vacancy or vacancies at any time.
(v) Any member of the Branch Committee may resign his office by making an application in writing stating his reason thereof addressed to the Branch Committee for its consideration.
(vi) The Branch Committee shall be responsible for running the affairs of the Branch between the Branch General Meeting and the next, but it shall report all its activities to the Annual General Meeting. It shall manage the affairs of the Branch in accordance with the rules of the Party and the instructions of the Divisional Committee and the Annual Divisional General Meeting.
(vii) The Branch Committee shall meet at least once in every month and also when requested by the Branch Chairman or on the written application of at least one-third of the Branch Committee members. Seven (7) days notice shall be given to all the Committee members about the holding of any such meeting.
(viii) One half of the Committee members present shall form a quorum.
(ix) At any meeting of the Branch Committee if the Branch Chairman or Deputy Chairman, shall be absent, the members present shall elect one of themselves to preside the meeting.
(x) Duties of Branch office bearers:
(1) The Chairman shall during his term of office preside at all Committee Meetings and shall be responsible for their proper conduct. He shall have a casting vote and shall sign the Minutes of each meeting at the time they are approved.
(2) The Deputy Chairman shall deputise for the Chairman during the latter’s absence.
(3) The Secretary shall conduct the business of the Branch in accordance with the Rules of the Party and shall carry out the instructions of the General Meeting and of the Committee. He shall be responsible for conducting all correspondence and keeping all books, documents and papers except the accounts and financial records. He shall attend all meetings, and record the proceedings. He shall also maintain a membership register of all the Branch members.
(3a) The Assistant Secretary shall assist the Secretary in the performance of his duties as specified in Clause (3) of this Article and shall deputise for the Secretary during the latter’s absence.
(4) The Treasurer shall be responsible for the finances of the Branch. He shall keep accounts of all its financial transactions and shall be responsible for their correctness. All cheques shall be signed on behalf of the Branch by the Treasurer and countersigned by the Secretary or the Chairman.
(4a) The Assistant
Treasurer shall assist the Treasurer in the performance of his duties as
specified in paragraph (4) of this
Article and shall deputise for the Treasurer during the latter’s absence.
Article 54 DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE BRANCH COMMITTEE
The duties and responsibilities of the Branch shall be:-
(a) to co-operate with any party or organization on political or other matters which are not inconsistent with this Constitution;
(b) to recommend to the Divisional Committee the removal of any member of the Branch Committee found to be shirking from his responsibilities;
(c) to lay before the Branch General Meeting, a report on the activities of the Branch during the previous year together with a Statement of Accounts duly audited and passed;
(d) to send to every member a copy of the Annual Report and Statement of Accounts at least fourteen (14) days before the date fixed for the Annual Branch General Meeting;
(e) to propose to the Branch General Meeting any amendments to this Constitution or to the Standing Orders and Rules. Such proposals, if approved by the Branch General Meeting, shall be forwarded to the Annual Delegates Conference through the Annual Divisional General Meeting;
(f) to recommend the expulsion or suspension of a member to the Divisional Committee;
(g) to carry out such directives or activities as may be directed by the Divisional Committee from time to time; and
(h) to enforce the provisions of this Constitution, the Standing Orders and Rules of the Annual Delegates Conference and the Party’s discipline and to take such steps as may be necessary in order to bring them into effect.
Article 55 THE BRANCH OFFICE
(i) The Secretariat of the Branch shall be the Branch Office.
(ii) The Branch Office may be located at any place approved by the Branch Committee.
(iii) The Branch Secretary shall be the Administrative Officer for the Branch Office.
(iv) The Branch Chairman shall be responsible for the efficient administration of the Branch Office.
(v) No appointment shall be made to the Staff of the Branch Office without the approval of the Branch Chairman.
CHAPTER
XI
DELEGATES
Article 56
(i) Every delegate appointed to any level shall not represent more than one delegation.
(ii) Unless otherwise arranged, the Divisions
and the Branches concerned shall be respectively responsible for all expenses
for sending their delegates to the Annual Delegates Conference.
CHAPTER XII
YOUTH AND
WOMEN’S MOVEMENT
Article 57 YOUTH MOVEMENT
(i) There shall be established a Youth Movement at all levels with the following objects:-
(a) to encourage its members to study and participate in the field of politics, economy, culture, tradition, sports and education;
(b)
to encourage its members to
take active part in the development of a progressive and united
(c) to co-operate with any recognised Youth Organisation;
(d) to assist the Supreme Council in implementing and achieving the objects of the Party;
(ii) For the purpose of achieving the objects mentioned in Clause (i) of this Article the Supreme Council may from time to time make rules not inconsistent with the provisions of this Constitution.
Article 58 WOMEN’S MOVEMENT
(i) There shall be established at all levels a Women's Movement with the following objects:-
(a) to encourage its members to study and participate in the field of politics, economy, culture, tradition, sports, education, welfare and domestic science;
(b)
to encourage its members to
take active part in the development of a progressive and united
(c) to co-operate with any recognised Women's Movement or organizations;
(d) To assist the Supreme
Council in implementing and achieving the objects of the Party.
(ii) For the purpose of achieving the objects mentioned in Clause (i) of this Article the Supreme Council may from time to time make rules not inconsistent with the provisions of this Constitution.
CHAPTER XIII
DISQUALIFICATION
OF MEMBERS AS CANDIDATES FOR ELECTION
Article 59 DISQUALIFICATION
(i) No member shall qualify for nomination as a candidate for any election:-
(a) if he has been member for less than a year;
(b) if he has been readmitted as a member subsequent to his resignation for a period less than 3 years unless otherwise decided by the Supreme Council;
(c) if he is disqualified under any law relating to elections or under any provision of this Constitution.
(ii) The above provisions shall also apply to a candidate to be appointed to the State Legislative Assembly, the House of Representatives and/or the Senate.
Article 60 EXEMPTION FROM
DISQUALIFICATON
Save where any member is disqualified under any law, the President for special reasons shall have the power to exempt a member from the provision of Article 59.
CHAPTER XIV
PARTY
DISCIPLINE
Article 61 DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE
(i) There shall be established a Disciplinary Committee to deal with all recommendations for the expulsion, suspension or disciplinary action against any member.
(ii) The Disciplinary Committee shall consist of five members to be appointed by the Supreme Council.
(iii) The Disciplinary Committee shall have power to suspend or expel any member when it considers that the interest of the Party so requires, but before a member is suspended or expelled, his conduct shall be enquired into by the Committee and he shall be informed of the complaints against him and be given an opportunity to defend and explain himself.
PROVIDED that the foregoing power to expel a member shall not apply to a member appointed or elected to the Supreme Council.
(iv) If in any case the President considers that immediate action to suspend is desirable in the interest of the Party, the President may suspend a member pending action by the Disciplinary Committee.
(v) A member aggrieved by the decision of the Disciplinary Committee may with fourteen (14) days from the date such decision was given appeal to the Supreme Council whose decision shall be final.
(vi) A member who is expelled in accordance with this Article shall forfeit his rights and privileges as a member and shall have no claim on the Party, and in the case of a suspension the member shall be subject to such reduction of his rights and privileges as a member as the Committee may decide.
CHAPTER XV
STANDING ORDERS
AND RULES
Article 62 STANDING ORDERS AND RULES
(i) Standing Orders and Rules not
inconsistent with the provisions of this Constitution may be formulated and
amended or otherwise rescinded by the Supreme Council from time to time.
(ii) All Standing Orders and Rules referred to in Clause (i) hereof shall be considered by the Supreme Council in its meeting and if adopted, such Standing Orders and Rules shall form part of this Constitution and shall accordingly, have the same force and effect.
(iii) The Standing Orders and Rules of an Annual Delegates Conference shall be adopted for meetings of a Divisional General Meetings or Branch General Meetings.
CHAPTER XVI
GENERAL
Article 63 TERM OF OFFICE
Unless otherwise provided for in this Constitution, all office bearers elected or appointed under this Constitution shall hold office until next election. Every Branch, Division and the Annual Delegates Conference shall hold a general election for its respective office bearers according to the provisions of this Constitution once in every three (3) years.
Provided that
notwithstanding the provisions hereinabove, whenever two-thirds of the Supreme
Council Members or Office Bearers of the Party resign or are removed or disqualified
from being members or cease to hold office of the Party simultaneously for any
reason whatsoever then the Party or the
Division or the Branch during its next Annual Delegates Conference or Annual
General Meeting as the case may be shall elect a new Supreme Council or the
Divisional or Branch Office of the Party as the case may be.
Article 64 PROHIBITIONS
(1) The Party shall not have affiliation or
connection with any political parties established outside
(2) No University or College student shall be admitted as a member of the Party unless he has obtained a prior written permission from the Vice-Chancellor of the University or College concerned.
(3) Every member of the Party, every officer performing executive functions and every adviser of the Party shall be Malaysian Citizens.
(4) Every member of the Supreme Council, Divisional or Branch Committee shall attend every meeting called by the Supreme Council, Division or Branch Committee. PROVIDED that any such member may absent himself from such meeting if he has obtained leave from the President in the case of a Supreme Council Meeting or the Chairman in the case of a Divisional or Branch Committee meeting. If any such member is absent for three (3) consecutive meetings without leave as aforesaid such members shall be deemed to have resigned his membership from the Supreme Council, Divisional or Branch Committee as the case may be.
Article 65 AMENDMENT OF THE CONSTITUTION
(i) The Constitution or any part thereof may be amended or rescinded by a resolution supported by at least two-thirds of the number of the delegates present at the Annual Delegates Conference.
(ii) Any resolution to amend or rescind this Constitution shall be forwarded to the Secretary-General and must comply with the Standing Orders and Rules pertaining to such amendments or rescission shall take effect from the date of their approval by the Registrar of Societies.
Article 67 DISSOLUTION OF THE PARTY
(i) The Party may be voluntarily dissolved by resolution of not less than three-fourths of the total number of Party members.
(ii)
If the Party is dissolved, all debts and liabilities legally
and reasonably incurred shall be fully discharged and any remaining funds
(if any) shall be disposed off in a manner determined by the last Delegates
Conference.