PETALING JAYA: Bersatu president and Perikatan Nasional chairman Muhyiddin Yassin has confirmed that Dewan Rakyat Speaker Johari Abdul has decided not to vacate the seats held by six MPs who recently ceased to be members of Bersatu.
Reading from PN’s official statement during a press conference, Muhyiddin said the speaker’s decision was “disappointing”, saying it clearly went against the written and implied provisions of Article 49A(3) of the Federal Constitution.
The former prime minister added that Bersatu will appoint lawyers to challenge Johari’s decision in court.
“The speaker’s decision, based on a shallow excuse and misguided interpretation, shows that he has tarnished the Federal Constitution even though he had sworn to uphold and defend the nation’s constitution and laws,” he said.
SPONSORED CONTENT Shell awards Sabah LiveWIRE winners Kota Kinabalu: Shell has awarded five enterprises as the state winners of Shell LiveWIRE Malaysia 2024, following the Sabah state finals held at Plaza Shell in Kota Kinabalu. . Read more Muhyiddin cited Article 49A(1)(a)(ii) of the constitution, which states that MPs’ seats must be vacated if they are no longer members of the political party after having been elected to the Dewan Rakyat as members of the said party.
“It is clear that the six MPs are no longer members of Bersatu, following the provisions of Bersatu’s constitution,” he said.
Muhyiddin said Johari’s decision went against the provisions of the law and beyond his jurisdiction as speaker.
“Only the courts have the jurisdiction to interpret the Federal Constitution,” he said.
Earlier, a source from Bersatu said Johari had decided against having the six MPs vacate their seats to preserve “stability in Parliament”.
The six MPs are Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal (Bukit Gantang), Azizi Abu Naim (Gua Musang), Dr Zulkafperi Hanapi (Tanjong Karang), Zahari Kechik (Jeli), Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid (Kuala Kangsar) and Suhaili Abdul Rahman (Labuan).
Bersatu said last month that they had ceased to be members after failing to respond to a notice to confirm their loyalty.
This led to Kelantan state assembly speaker Amar Abdullah declaring the Nenggiri state seat held by Azizi vacant and the Election Commission fixing Aug 17 for the Nenggiri by-election.
When asked if the vacancy for the Nenggiri state seat should be taken as a precedent for the Dewan Rakyat, Muhyiddin said: “Yes.”
“Why is it different in Parliament? We want to ask the speaker that,” he added.
Muhyiddin said one of the opposition MPs would likely file a motion on the matter in Parliament tomorrow morning.
* Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss.
* Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.