THE six former Bersatu MPs will retain their seats, says Parliament Speaker Johari Abdul.

This was confirmed by Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman and Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin during a press conference in Parliament today.

Muhyiddin said Bersatu received a letter yesterday evening from Johari, which stated that the seats would remain occupied.

The six MPs previously declared support for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, in defiance of the party’s stance as the opposition.

“The decision deeply disappoints us as it contradicts the explicit provisions of Article 49a, Section 3 of the Federal Constitution,” said Muhyiddin.

The MPs are Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal (Bukit Gantang), Zahari Kechik (Jeli), Mohd Azizi Abu Naim (Gua Musang), Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid (Kuala Kangsar), Suhaili Abdul Rahman (Labuan) and Dr Zulkafperi Hanafi (Tanjong Karang).

“Article 49A(1)(a)(ii) of the Federal Constitution clearly states that the seat of a Dewan Rakyat member shall become vacant if he is no longer a member of the political party after being elected as a Dewan Rakyat member of the particular political party.

“In this situation, it is clear that the six MPs here are no longer members of Bersatu following the provisions of the party’s constitution.

“The speaker’s decision is in conflict with the provisions of the law and has acted outside his jurisdiction,” Muhyiddin told reporters at Parliament today.

He said Bersatu will be consulting its lawyers and file legal action to contest the speaker’s ruling if necessary. - July 10, 2024