KUALA LUMPUR – The six Bersatu defectors have received a letter with specific directives to respond to within 14 days from today.
Without revealing the details of the directives issued by the party’s supreme leadership council, Bersatu secretary-general Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin said the letter must be understood and endorsed.
“Failure to do so will result in the termination of membership in accordance with clause 10(4) and forfeiture of the position as the people’s representative as outlined in the Federal Constitution,” he added.
Beside the six lawmakers who defected to support Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the unity government, notices were also issued to all of Bersatu’s elected representatives.
They too have to confirm their loyalty to the party within 14 days.
Assemblymen in states led by Perikatan Nasional must also state their support for their respective menteri besar.
“We want them to know that as party members, they have a responsibility to Bersatu and to support Article 9(1) of the party constitution.
“They should know that Bersatu’s stance is not to support Anwar, nor any menteri besar or state governments not led by Perikatan Nasional,” he said during a press conference at PN’s headquarters today.
“These letters were sent via email, courier service, and even handed over to them personally. They must acknowledge and reply within 14 days; otherwise, their membership will be revoked,” he added.
Hamzah said the general instructions are that, firstly, as party members, all MPs and assemblymen bear a responsibility under the Bersatu constitution to uphold party loyalty by supporting its policies and objectives, particularly as outlined in clause 9(1).
“Secondly, it is important that they know that Bersatu’s leadership does not endorse or support the unity government led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“Thirdly, Bersatu leadership has decided against supporting any menteri besar or chief minister or participating in any state government not approved by Bersatu.
“Moreover, Bersatu’s president has unequivocally said that PN will function as a vigilant opposition, amplifying the people’s voices in Parliament and ensuring the government’s governance remains untainted by corruption.
“Lastly, it’s important to note that Article 49A of the Federal Constitution, along with similar provisions in state constitutions, specifically prohibit party defection,” he added.
The six Bersatu lawmakers are Dr Zulkafperi Hanapi (Tg Karang), Zahari Kechik (Jeli), Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid (Kuala Kangsar), Datuk Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal (Bukit Gantang), Suhaili Abdul Rahman (Labuan), and Mohd Azizi Abu Naim (Gua Musang).
Selat Klang assemblyman Abdul Rashid Asari had also declared support for Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari. – May 17, 2024