PUTRAJAYA is open to discussing amendments to the anti-party hopping law to plug any loopholes in the legislation, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said Pakatan Harapan (PH) had proposed amendments to the act in 2022, but the government at the time rejected its proposals.
“Previously, we suggested that anyone expelled by their party should vacate their seat, but this was not agreed upon by the government then.
“At that time, Bersatu (part of the government then) did not agree to this because they were bringing in members from Umno,” he said.
“So, I believe if amendments are needed, we can discuss ensuring no one is exempted. Previously, they (the opposition) opposed it, and many were unaware,” he told reporters after attending Friday prayers.
His comments came after six MPs who recently ceased to be members of Bersatu were told by Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul that they did not need to vacate their seats.
The six MPs are Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal (Bukit Gantang), Azizi Abu Naim (Gua Musang), Dr Zulkafperi Hanapi (Tanjong Karang), Zahari Kechik (Jeli), Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid (Kuala Kangsar), and Suhaili Abdul Rahman (Labuan).
The six drew flak after failing to respond to a notice to confirm their loyalty as they had pledged support for Anwar’s leadership.
Johari reached his decision even though the MPs had ceased to be members of their party.
He said Bersatu’s new regulations, which declared that the six had ceased to be members, had violated the Federal Constitution and laws related to parliament.
Bersatu amended its constitution so that party members would automatically cease to be members if they went against the party’s decisions, meaning those elected representatives should have vacated their seats.
Johari’s decision drew criticism from Bersatu’s top leaders who said the speaker had misinterpreted the Federal Constitution, specifically provisions in the anti-party hopping law meant to deal with MPs who switched sides.
In his ruling, Johari said Clause 10.5 of the Bersatu constitution denied the rights of the six MPs, which are enshrined under the Federal Constitution, the Dewan Rakyat’s Standing Orders, and the Houses of Parliament (Privileges and Powers) Act 1952. – July 12, 2024.
