BERSATU has agreed to take legal action to vacate the seats of its elected representatives who have declared their support for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, said its secretary-general Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin.
In a statement on Monday (Jan 29), Hamzah, who is also Larut MP, said the decision was made at a Supreme Council meeting last night.
“Bersatu is ready to face by-elections (as a result),” he stated.
This comes after six of its MPs had pledged support for Anwar without quitting the party to avoid triggering the anti-hopping law.
Due to a loophole in the anti-hopping law, MPs are not required to vacate their seats if they go against the party whip and principles.
Tanjong Karang MP Datuk Dr Zulkafperi Hanapi was the latest Bersatu lawmaker to announce his support for the prime minister on Jan 24, citing the well-being of his constituents.
The other five Bersatu MPs who had declared support for Anwar are Datuk Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal (Bukit Gantang), Zahari Kechik (Jeli), Mohd Azizi Abu Naim (Gua Musang), Datuk Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid (Kuala Kangsar), and Dr Suhaili Abdul Rahman (Labuan).
All six MPs cited their constituencies’ needs and said they supported the federal government’s policies. However, they said they would remain loyal to Bersatu.
Several Bersatu leaders have since challenged these MPs to vacate their seats and allow for a by-election.
In his statement, Hamzah also announced that the party has agreed to amend Article 10 of the party’s constitution to keep its elected representatives in line.
He said the Supreme Council unanimously agreed that the party would continue fighting for its struggle under the leadership of Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin as president.
“(This is) not only in the context of empowering the party as a whole but also to appear more credible, firm and brave in combating malicious slander and injustices by the Anwar Ibrahim-led government,” he said.
Changes in Bersatu leadership
Meanwhile, Hamzah also announced that Bersatu deputy president Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu has been replaced as the head of the party’s Negri Sembilan chapter.
Ahmad Faizal, fondly known as Peja, will be replaced by Labu assemblyman Mohamad Hanifah Abu Baker who won the seat for the first time in the state elections last August.
Ahmad Faizal, a former Perak menteri besar, replaced former Kuala Pilah MP Datuk Eddin Syazlee Shith as the state Bersatu chief in June last year as the party was gearing up for the polls.
However, Ahmad Faizal had come under pressure to relinquish the post, particularly from Negri Sembilan PAS chief Rafiei Mustapha, following Bersatu’s disastrous performance in the state elections.
Rafiei, who is Ahmad Faizal’s deputy in the state PN leadership, had accused the Bersatu leader of displaying no interest in leading the state chapter. He also questioned Faizal’s leadership qualities during the election campaign.
Meanwhile, in Selangor, Hulu Kelang assemblyman Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali has been appointed the Selangor Bersatu chief, replacing Selat Klang assemblyman Datuk Abdul Rashid Asari.
Azmin, a former PKR deputy president, is also the Perikatan Nasional (PN) information chief. – Jan 29, 2024
Main pic credit: The Star
