Tuan Ibrahim questions purpose of anti-hopping law following retainment of ‘Bersatu Six’ seats

KUALA LUMPUR: PAS deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man has questioned the purpose of having an anti-hopping law if it is not enforced following the Speaker's decision to retain the seats of the six rogue Bersatu MPs.

The Kubang Kerian MP expressed his disappointment over the Dewan Rakyat Speaker's decision concerning the six rogue Bersatu MPs.

"A very disappointing decision was made by the Speaker regarding six MPs who have ceased to be members of their political party.

"This decision is in contradiction with the provision of Article 49 (A) (3) of the Federal Constitution, which states that the seat of a Member of the Dewan Rakyat shall become vacant if they are no longer a member of the political party after they are elected in Parliament as a member of that political party.

"The question now is, what is the point of having an anti-party hopping law if it is not enforced?," he said in a Facebook posting late Wednesday night (July 10).

Earlier, Dewan Rakyat Speaker said that the six former Bersatu MPs would retain their seats.

His ruling was relayed to the Bersatu leadership on Wednesday (July 10).

Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said he was disappointed with the decision and claimed that the Speaker had misinterpreted the constitution.