In a significant political shake-up, Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (BERSATU) has sacked seven elected representatives who signalled their support for Prime Minister Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim. This decision impacts six federal parliamentary seats and one Selangor state seat. While analysts believe this move will not trigger by-elections, it underscores the escalating tensions within Malaysia's opposition and could precipitate internal conflicts within the Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition, of which BERSATU is one of the main parties.
The MPs dismissed include Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal (Bukit Gantang), Dr. Zulkafperi Hanapi (Tanjong Karang), Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid (Kuala Kangsar), Zahari Kechik (Jeli), Suhaili Abdul Rahman (Labuan), and Mohd Azizi Abu Naim (Gua Musang).
Additionally, Selat Klang assemblyman Abdul Rashid Asari, former Selangor Bersatu chairman, has also been sacked for supporting the leadership of Selangor's Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari, a member of Anwar's Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR).
Dr. Azmi Hassan, senior fellow at the Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research, highlighted a critical aspect of Malaysia's anti-party hopping law. According to Dr. Azmi, the law does not mandate by-elections for MPs who are dismissed from their party, only for those who resign or switch allegiance. Consequently, the sacked MPs can retain their seats as independents unless they choose to join another party.
This legal nuance is pivotal in understanding why by-elections are unlikely. The decision of the parliamentary and state speakers, who are aligned with the unity government, further reinforces this outcome. Dr. Azmi clarified that an MP who is dismissed won't automatically lose their seat since the anti-party hopping law does not address this situation.
Despite avoiding immediate by-elections, BERSATU may seek legal avenues to reclaim the seats from their former representatives. This could involve lengthy court battles, which might not favour BERSATU in the long run. Analysts warn that such protracted legal disputes could weaken the party's position and distract from more pressing political challenges.
Moreover, recent electoral trends suggest that BERSATU might struggle in potential by-elections. The by-election in Kuala Kubu Bharu, Selangor, revealed an increase in Malay votes for the unity government. This shift indicates that BERSATU cannot rely on guaranteed victories even in traditionally supportive constituencies.
The dismissal of these MPs highlights deeper issues within BERSATU and the broader PN coalition. The coalition, already facing internal discord, may experience further strife as it navigates this turbulent period. The need to manage internal cohesion while addressing the external challenge posed by the unity government will test BERSATU's leadership.
While the sacking of these seven elected representatives by BERSATU is a significant political development, it is unlikely to trigger by-elections due to the specifics of Malaysia's anti-party hopping law. However, the move underscores the fragility of BERSATU's internal unity and poses strategic challenges for the party and its coalition partners.
As Malaysia's political landscape continues to evolve, the ability of BERSATU party and PN coalition to navigate these challenges will be crucial in shaping their future prospects.
By: Kpost
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