Malacca Bersatu wings have hit out at their own state chief Mohd Redzuan Md Yusof for his decision to remove a state assembly coordinator.

In a joint statement, Malacca Bersatu Wanita chief Azlina Abdul Rahman and Malacca Bersatu Youth chief Ramlan Meon said the removal of Ruslin Hasan did not follow procedure, nor was he given a chance to defend himself.

"The action taken by the Malacca Bersatu chief is similar to the action taken by former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak, Umno and BN against (then Umno deputy president) Muhyiddin Yassin and (then Umno supreme council member) Mukhriz Mahathir in the past, which weakened and destroyed Umno and BN in the 14th general election.

"We do not support and condemn Redzuan's decision, approach and leadership style which is to Malacca Bersatu's detriment," they said.

Muhyiddin and Mukhriz are now the Bersatu president and deputy president respectively. 

Azlina and Ramlan warned that the decision to remove the state assembly coordinator could cause a split in Malacca Bersatu and called on the party's central leadership, including Bersatu chairperson Dr Mahathir Mohamad, to intervene.

They pointed out that Malacca Chief Minister Adly Zahari, who leads Pakatan Harapan in the state, had agreed that the coalition candidates who contested in the GE14 but were defeated would continue to serve in their respective constituency.

Ruslin had contested in the Ayer Limau state constituency but was defeated in the last general election. He had served as Bersatu's Ayer Limau coordinator until his recent removal.

"We are of the opinion that the sacking of good and dedicated leaders who give their strong commitment to Malacca Harapan and Bersatu without basis and strong justification would weaken Bersatu and Harapan," Azlina and Ramlan said.

Redzuan, when contacted, defended his decision.

"Reshuffle is normal," he told Malaysiakini.

When pressed to respond to claims that Ruslin's removal did not follow procedure, Redzuan replied: "Normal to reshuffle for improvement."