Kuala lumpur: The six Members of Parliament (MPs) who departed from Bersatu remain seated in the opposition bloc despite their declared support for the prime minister, as there has been no formal notification regarding their change in allegiance, according to the Dewan Rakyat today.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul clarified that based on the Federal Constitution and Standing Orders, these six individuals are still considered opposition MPs. He emphasized the absence of any written declaration indicating their intent to leave the opposition and join the government. Consequently, they continue to retain their seats in the opposition bloc and are entitled to participate in parliamentary proceedings as opposition members.
Johari’s remarks came in response to a question raised by Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan (PN-Kota Bharu), who voiced concerns over the allocation of daily oral questions and Prime Minister’s Question Time (PMQT) slots, suggesting a perceived imbalance favoring government MPs. Takiyuddin pointed out that out of ten questions addressed by the government, six originated from government MPs, three from opposition MPs, and one from the Bukit Gantang MP who supports the government.
The Speaker maintained that his responsibility is to ensure equitable opportunities for all MPs to pose questions during Q and A and MQT sessions, underscoring the importance of fairness in parliamentary proceedings.
The MPs in question are Datuk Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal (Bukit Gantang), Datuk Dr Suhaili Abdul Rahman (Labuan), Zahari Kechik (Jeli), Mohd Azizi Abu Naim (Gua Musang), Datuk Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid (Kuala Kangsar), and Datuk Dr Zulkafperi Hanapi (Tanjong Karang). These MPs were previously served notices of membership termination by Bersatu after failing to comply with a directive from the party’s Supreme Council to affirm their loyalty.
Despite attempts by Bersatu to declare their parliamentary seats vacant, Speaker Johari informed the party that no such vacancies existed for the MPs who had pledged support for Anwar.