Speaker: MPs’ support for Anwar does not affect their position

KUALA LUMPUR: Until it is official, the six Bersatu MPs who expressed their support for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will remain as MPs, says Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul.

His comments came following Bersatu’s move to nullify their membership, resulting in their seats falling vacant.

“At the moment, everything remains normal.

“They are still MPs, as their pledge of support for the Prime Minister does not affect their position at all,” he said when met at Parliament House yesterday.

Johari was asked to comment on the move by Bersatu to amend its party constitution during an extraordinary general meeting on March 2 to strip the membership of MPs or assemblymen who support anyone opposed to the party.

Bersatu MPs who have indicated their support for Anwar are Datuk Zulkafperi Hanapi (Tanjong Karang), Datuk Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal (Bukit Gantang), Zahari Kechik (Jeli), Mohd Azizi Abu Naim (Gua Musang), Datuk Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid (Kuala Kangsar) and Datuk Suhaili Abdul Rahman (Labuan).

Yesterday, Bersatu submitted the amendments to its constitution to the Registrar of Societies (ROS) for approval.

Johari said he can only act once Bersatu officially writes to Parliament requesting his action on the matter.

However, he said his action will be based on the ROS decision, upon advice from his legal team.

“At the end of the day, the response from the ROS is very important,” he said.

He added that the ROS may approve the amendments or advise Bersatu on the possible existence of contradictions in the amendments and their party constitution.

He was asked whether the amendments could be enforced retrospectively.

Johari said there was no specific time frame for the matter to be resolved.

“It may take a day, a week, a month, or even years if the matter is taken to court,” he added.

Meanwhile, Johari said that the six MPs have submitted requests to move their seats away from the Opposition bloc.