Bersatu 6 don't need to vacate seats, says Speaker


KUALA LUMPUR: The six Bersatu MPs who had expressed their support towards Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim can write to the Dewan Rakyat Speaker's office if they wish to change their seating arrangements, says Tan Sri Johari Abdul (pic).

The Dewan Rakyat Speaker said that the six Bersatu MPs did not have to vacate the seats they won in the last general election as per the anti-hopping law.

"However, if they wish to move, they can write to me stating their reasons for switching their seats and I will look into it," he said during a briefing session with media practitioners at the Parliament building today (Feb 19).

On Jan 24, Tanjong Karang MP Datuk Dr Zulkaperi Hanapi, who is from Bersatu, officially recorded his support for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

ALSO READ : I can’t stay for too long, Bersatu needs new leadership, says Muhyiddin

The other five Bersatu MPs are Zahari Kechik (Jeli), Datuk Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid (Kuala Kangsar), Datuk Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal (Bukit Gantang), Mohd Azizi Abu Naim (Gua Musang) and Tanjong Karang MP Datuk Dr Zulkafperi Hanapi.

“For example, they can say they want to move from place A to place B because you know, I don’t like my ‘neighbour’ because he likes to shout or maybe he likes to eat petai, or whatever it is (the reason),” added Johari.

However, he said that this is based upon request and as long as there is space.

"Sometimes, for example, we have MPs who have been dropped as Cabinet ministers, so they will move.

"Moving from one place to another is quite normal," added the Speaker.

Bersatu will hold a special general assembly on March 2 to amend its constitution to prevent more defections from its leaders without triggering a by-election.

The actions by the MPs do not contravene the anti-hopping laws that came into effect before the 15th General Election (GE15) in November 2022, as they only apply to MPs who resign or switch allegiances by joining another party.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
   

Next In Nation

Malaysians express concern for Malbatt troops in Lebanon
Malaysia formally invites China to 2025 Asean-GCC summit
Man impersonating police officer nabbed in Ranau
Zulkafli is acting Perak police chief
Appeals Court reinstates jail, caning sentence on ex-religious teacher who sexually assaulted male student
Northeast Monsoon to peak late November, more rain for East Coast, Sabah, S'wak, says MetMalaysia
Sabah Deputy CM calls for reforms in local council enforcement
Great snakes! Reports abound of slithering serpents in Sabah
Govt plans to set up eight more permanent flood relief centres, says Nadma DG
M'sia strongly condemns Israeli attack that injured Malbatt personnel, says Fahmi

Others Also Read