Party's constitutional change won't stop Bersatu MP's from supporting PM, says Tanjung Karang rep

KUALA LUMPUR: Bersatu’s constitutional amendments will not curb the party’s federal and state representatives from supporting Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, says a Bersatu MP.

Datuk Zulkafperi Hanapi (PN-Tanjong Karang), one of the six Bersatu MPs who pledged support for Anwar, said their decision was also to ensure political stability.

"We look highly at His Majesty’s message for political stability.

"The initiative to pledge support for the Prime Minister is to ensure political stability throughout the unity government's term so governance can be carried out without any disturbance," he said when debating the motion of thanks on the Royal Address on Thursday (March 7).

Zulkafperi also expressed disappointment at how his decision to pledge support for Anwar was criticised heavily by Perikatan Nasional MPs.

Bersatu was a component party in the Perikatan coalition.

"We accept and forgive the insults thrown at us by the public.

"What is more disappointing is that our friends in the august House seemingly do not understand that our decision is for the well-being of our constituents," he said.

Apart from Zulkafperi, five other Bersatu MPs pledged support for Anwar.

They were Zahari Kechik (Jeli), Datuk Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid (Kuala Kangsar), Datuk Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal (Bukit Gantang),Datuk Suhaili Abdul Rahman (Labuan) and Mohd Azizi Abu Naim (Gua Musang).

On Wednesday (March 6), former Selangor Bersatu chairman and Selat Klang assemblyman Datuk Abdul Rashid Asari also declared support for the leadership of Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari. The latter was a PKR vice-president.

On Saturday (March 2), Bersatu amended its constitution to automatically nullify the membership of any of its elected representatives who shift allegiance to rival parties.