KUALA LUMPUR: PKR information chief Fahmi Fadzil says Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin only has himself to blame for the issue of six former party members being allowed to retain their parliamentary seats.
"Bersatu only amended its party constitution (to prevent party-hopping) after the general election unlike Umno or DAP, where their (candidates) went into the elections knowing full well (what would happen if they switched allegiances later).
"Why didn't Bersatu amend its constitution before the polls?
"Don't blame anybody but yourself," the Communications Minister said on Thursday (July 11).
Fahmi also pointed out that Bersatu had opposed many of the proposed reforms to strengthen the anti-party hopping law before it was tabled in Parliament.
"In the lead-up to the Constitutional amendments, there were many proposed amendments given by Pakatan Harapan (as well as) parties within the government.
"It was Bersatu that strongly opposed the reforms," he said.
On Wednesday (July 10), Muhyiddin said Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul’s decision allowing the rogue six to keep their seats was “disappointing” and in violation of the written and implied provisions of Article 49A(3) of the Federal Constitution.
Muhyiddin also told a press conference in Parliament that his party would refer the matter to its legal team.
In his ruling, Johari said Clause 10.5 of the Bersatu constitution denies the six MPs their rights as enshrined under the Constitution, the Dewan Rakyat Standing Orders and the Houses of Parliament (Privileges and Powers) Act 1952.
The ruling was conveyed in a letter dated Tuesday (July 9) to Bersatu whip Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee that was sighted by The Star.
Under Bersatu’s amended constitution, the six ceased to be members and had to vacate their seats after failing to respond to official letters requiring them to pledge loyalty to the party by May 31.
The six are Datuk Syed Abu Hussin Syed Abu Fasal (Bukit Gantang), Zahari Kechik (Jeli), Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid (Kuala Kangsar), Datuk Suhaili Abdul Rahman (Labuan), Datuk Dr Zulkafperi Hanafi (Tanjong Karang) and Mohd Azizi Abu Naim (Gua Musang).
