MEMBERS of Parliament who declared their support for another party leader should resign from their respective seats to ensure fairness in the country’s political system, said Charles Santiago.
The former Klang MP said when it comes to the anti-hopping law, one is allowed to talk about freedom of speech and all that, but that it’s already a law, which means MPs cannot cross over and only parties can.
“The purpose of the anti-hopping law introduced last year was to ensure political stability and prevent another Sheraton Move,” Santiago was reported as saying by FMT today (Oct 31).
The Sheraton Move in 2020 saw Barisan Nasional (BN), Bersatu, PAS, and a faction led by PKR’s then-deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali joining forces to topple the Tun Dr Mahathir-led Pakatan Harapan (PH) government.
“While opposition MPs have the autonomy to make their own decisions, they must consider the consequences of their actions on their party.
“If an opposition MP wants to express support for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, it might be fairer to their current party if they consider resigning and running for re-election,” Santiago said.
Santiago, who is also the chairman of National Water Services Commission (SPAN) was commenting on Labuan MP Datuk Suhaili Abdul Rahman move to declare his support for Anwar’s premiership while also expressing his support for Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Mohd Noor, who is also the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) chairman yesterday (Oct 30).
The Bersatu MP was the second MP from the party after Kuala Kangsar MP Datuk Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid who declared his support for Anwar’s premiership on Oct 12, prompting Bersatu to issue him with a show cause letter last Thursday (Oct 26).
Suhaili said his reason for supporting the PH chairman’s administration is due to the rising cost of living in his constituency after thorough consideration and hearing the grievances of his constituents.
He also said his decision to support the Prime Minister is entirely voluntary, free from external pressure, and driven by a sincere desire to benefit the people of Labuan.
In response to Suhaili’s comments, Bersatu Supreme Council Member Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan stated that the party will convene a meeting soon to address Suhaili’s fate, adding that the party had been notified of the situation and will make a decision in due time.
“We have just read the letter issued by Suhaili. So, there will be discussions within the party and among its MPs soon.
“I am confident that the party will make a decision and come up with an announcement after the discussions are held,” he told a press conference in Parliament. – Oct 31, 2023
Main pic credit: The Star
