KUALA LUMPUR: Perikatan Nasional MPs wore white armbands in the Dewan Rakyat as a sign of protest against Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul’s decision not to vacate the seats of six former Bersatu MPs.
Several MPs also recited poems slamming the Speaker’s decision during Question Time on Monday (July 15).
“The white ribbon on my left arm is in protest against the ‘reformati’ movement ... specifically towards Article 49A,” said Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin (PN-Masjid Tanah) in the House.
The MPs' action came after Perikatan chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin slammed Johari for deciding not to vacate the seats of the six MPs: Syed Abu Hussin Syed Abdul Fasal (Bukit Gantang), Zahari Kechik (Jeli), Mohd Azizi Abu Naim (Gua Musang), Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid (Kuala Kangsar), Datuk Suhaili Abdul Rahman (Labuan) and Datuk Dr Zulkafperi Hanafi (Tanjong Karang).
The six previously pledged support for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and ceased being party members after failing to reply to letters requiring them to pledge loyalty to Bersatu.
On Thursday (July 11), senior Perikatan leaders also took Johari to task during Dewan Rakyat proceedings and argued that the latter’s decision made the previous day was wrong.
Johari, however, stood firm and said he had studied all related aspects, including those regarding the anti-hopping law before coming to his decision.
“I am not a postman,” he said in response.
The six MPs subsequently said they would continue to serve as Independents.
