SHAH ALAM – Selangor opposition leader Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali has submitted a written notice of the unexpected vacancy in the Selat Kelang state assembly seat today.
The notice was submitted by Azmin to the state assembly Speaker Lau Weng San, in accordance with Article LXVA of the Constitution of the Selangor Government 1959.
Azmin, who is also the Hulu Kelang assemblyman, said that during a meeting with Lau, he informed the speaker that Datuk Abdul Rashid Asari was no longer a Bersatu member.
“I was made aware that Abdul Rashid is no longer the Selat Kelang assemblyman and that the seat must be vacated.
“The speaker was told that a notice had been delivered to Abdul Rashid on June 12, 2024.
“The notice stated that Abdul Rashid’s membership in Bersatu ceases immediately, as stipulated under Clause 10.4 of the Bersatu Constitution,” he said.
Also present was Sg Ramal state assemblyman Shafie Ngah.
Azmin said he had drawn the speaker’s attention to the Societies Act 1966 during the meeting, which states that a political party’s decision regarding the interpretation of its constitution, rules, or regulations, or any matter related to the party’s affairs, is final and conclusive.
“Therefore, I request the speaker to confirm that there has been an unexpected vacancy for the Selat Kelang seat.
“Furthermore, according to Article LXVA (3) of the Constitution of the Selangor Government 1959, the Speaker must notify the Election Commission within 21 days from the date of receipt of the written notice, which I hand-delivered to the speaker today, so that the election process can be arranged to fill the empty seat,” he said.
Azmin also urged the speaker to adhere to and uphold the Federal Constitution, the Selangor Government Constitution of 1959, and national laws while carrying out his duties and functions under Article LXVA (3) of the Constitution of the Selangor Government 1959.
“It is important to remind the speaker to comply with and fulfil his oath of office to preserve, protect, and defend the Selangor State Constitution (Constitutional Law of the Government of Selangor 1959),” he said.
Previously, six Bersatu MPs and one assemblyman, Abdul Rashid, were immediately expelled from the party after failing to respond to a letter of instruction from the Supreme Leadership Council to continue to support Bersatu.
They received the letter of instruction after publicly expressing their support for the unity government led by the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The six MPs are Gua Musang MP, who is also Nenggiri state assemblyman; Mohd Azizi Abu Naim; Datuk Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal (Bukit Gantang); Zahari Kechik (Jeli); Datuk Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid (Kuala Kangsar); Datuk Suhaili Abdul Rahman (Labuan); and Datuk Dr. Zulkafperi Hanafi (Tanjong Karang).
Yesterday, Kelantan Assembly Speaker Datuk Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah announced that the Nenggiri state assembly seat would be vacated with immediate effect.
Amar said the decision was made after the Kelantan state assembly received a written notice on June 13 from a Bersatu state assemblyman, in accordance with clause (3) of Article 31A of the Kelantan Constitution, regarding Azizi’s suspended membership status in the party. – June 21, 2024