TAN Sri Muhyiddin Yassin today claimed that the government was afraid to declare the six rogue parliament and one state assembly seat vacant as it wants to avoid chalking up more losses at the ballot box.
The Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) president said the unity government was worried that the Sungai Bakap by-election (where PN won) may repeat itself.
"This is why the government is acting in contravention of the Federal Constitution," he said during his speech at the Bersatu convention at the Ideal Convention Centre in Kuala Lumpur, as reported by Utusan Malaysia.
He said in his political history, he has never seen a ruling party lose so badly in a by-election.
"With all the power they possess, it is strange they suffered such a defeat.
“Although they hold power, they are weak, very weak," he said.
Muhyiddin said that is why the government is afraid to declare the vacancies of the seats held by former Bersatu members who have defected.
The six MPS are Datuk Suhaili Abdul Rahman (Labuan), Datuk Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid (Kuala Kangsar), Mohd Azizi Abu Naim (Gua Musang), Zahari Kechik (Jeli), Datuk Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal (Bukit Gantang) and Datuk Zulkafperi Hanapi (Tanjung Karang).
The state assemblyman is Datuk Abdul Rashid Asari (Selat Klang).
The former prime minister also claimed that the component parties in the unity government were in disarray.
"The parties are looking for a new political platform.
"It is called a unity government, but there is no unity among them. Their party members are questioning the actions of their leaders who are willing to sacrifice the party's principles for personal gain,” he said.
On the upcoming Bersatu party election, Muhyiddin urged those members who wished to contest to negotiate among themselves first.
He said this would ensure the party stayed united.
"During a recent party retreat, some had already expressed willingness to make way for others to take the lead," he said.
He added that it was important for Bersatu to come out stronger and united after the party polls, especially if they want to win the next general election. - July 13, 2024
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