Be patient, Speaker says on fate of Bersatu 6

The six MPs who were given the notices of immediate dismissal are (clockwise from top left) Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid (Kuala Kangsar), Suhaili Abdul Rahman (Labuan), Azizi Abu Naim (Gua Musang), Dr Zulkafperi Hanapi (Tanjong Karang), Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal (Bukit Gantang) and Zahari Kechik (Jeli).

KUALA LUMPUR: Dewan Rakyat Speaker Johari Abdul has called for patience as he decides on the fate of the six Bersatu MPs who saw their party memberships terminated earlier this month.

Johari confirmed receiving Bersatu chief whip Ronald Kiandee’s notice on the matter last Friday.

“According to the law, I have up to 21 days (to make a decision). When I’ve come to a decision, I will invite the (press to announce it), so please be patient,” he told reporters when met at an event in Parliament.

Kiandee had contended that Johari had no choice but to declare the six seats vacant and inform the Election Commission on the need for by-elections, as a precedent had been set by the Kelantan assembly speaker last week with the Nenggiri state seat.

The six MPs involved are Azizi Abu Naim (Gua Musang), Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal (Bukit Gantang), Dr Zulkafperi Hanapi (Tanjong Karang), Zahari Kechik (Jeli), Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid (Kuala Kangsar) and Suhaili Abdul Rahman (Labuan).

They had declared support for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim last year.

Last week, Kelantan assembly speaker Amar Abdullah declared the Nenggiri state seat held by Azizi vacant after being notified by Bersatu that he had ceased to be a party member.

Under Article 49(A) of the constitution, also known as the anti-hopping law, an MP shall cease to be a member of the Dewan Rakyat and the seat shall become vacant if the MP, having been elected to the Dewan Rakyat as a member of a political party, resigns as or ceases to be a member of that political party.