BERSATU president Muhyiddin Yassin said the Kelantan state assembly speaker’s decision to declare Azizi Abu Naim’s Nenggiri state seat as vacant was proof that the party’s constitutional amendment was lawful.

He said it also proved that the change to the party’s constitution was orderly and fulfilled the demands of the law.

“Speaker Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah’s decision was in line with the Kelantan State Constitution which allows for a state seat to be vacated if the incumbent ceases to be a member of his party.

“This provision is in line with the anti-hopping law under the Federal Constitution,” he said in a statement.”

Muhyiddin, who is also Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman, said Bersatu and its PN allies were prepared to face the by-election for the Nenggiri seat once the Election Commission fixes a date.

“Bersatu and Perikatan Nasional are ready to face a by-election for the Nenggiri seat and God willing, with the people’s support, we will attain victory,” he said.

Earlier today, the Kelantan assembly declared the Nenggiri state seat vacant, paving the way for a possible by-election in the state.

Azizi is also the Gua Musang MP.

Mohd Amar said the vacancy of the Nenggiri state seat was according to Article 31 of the state constitution.

It was recently reported that Bersatu had revoked the membership of six of its lawmakers with immediate effect and that notices had been issued to the said members informing them of their expulsion.

Party secretary-general Hamzah Zainudin said the notices were sent according to the directive issued by Bersatu’s supreme council, which convened on June 7, 2024.

Regarding Labuan MP Suhaili Abdul Rahman’s membership, Hamzah said the party terminated Suhaili’s membership under clause 10.2.6 of the Bersatu constitution last month.

The six MPs had failed to respond to a written instruction from the party’s supreme leadership council to pledge allegiance to the party.

The MPs are Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal (Bukit Gantang), Zahari Kechik (Jeli), Azizi, Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid (Kuala Kangsar), Zulkafperi Hanafi (Tanjong Karang) and Suhaili.  – June 19, 2024.