SIX former Bersatu Members of Parliament who previously pledged support for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim remain officially seated with the opposition bloc, as no formal written declaration has been submitted, according to Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul.
Responding to a query from Datuk Rosol Wahid (PN–Hulu Terengganu) at the close of the oral question session in the Dewan Rakyat, Johari stated that the status of the MPs in question remains unchanged.
“To the best of my knowledge, these six individuals are still considered part of the opposition,” said Johari. “There has been no written communication stating that they have left the opposition or joined the government. So I have not moved their seats.”
He added, “As far as I am concerned, they are still entitled to speak and ask questions from the opposition bloc. It would be unfair to categorise them as a separate team. Without a black-and-white confirmation, there is no basis to reposition them in the House.”
The six MPs are Datuk Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal (Bukit Gantang), Datuk Dr Suhaili Abdul Rahman (Labuan), Zahari Kechik (Jeli), Mohd Azizi Abu Naim (Gua Musang), Datuk Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid (Kuala Kangsar), and Datuk Dr Zulkafperi Hanapi (Tanjong Karang).
Earlier, Rosol had raised the issue of their parliamentary alignment, asking whether they now belonged to the government, opposition, or were sitting as independents.
Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan (PN–Kota Bharu) later interjected, pointing out that Syed Abu Hussin had previously voiced support for the Prime Minister during a Dewan Rakyat sitting.
In response, Johari clarified that verbal declarations carry no procedural weight.
“A verbal statement of support is one thing, but without an official, written confirmation indicating that they are part of the government, their position in the House remains with the opposition,” he said. - August 6, 2025
