The Dewan Negara will debate and decide whether members who left the party they represented remained as senators.

Dewan Rakyat deputy president Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said the decision on whether the member should remain a senator could also be made through votes by senators who participated in the debate.

He said that under the federal constitution, the appointment of a senator, either by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on the advice of the prime minister or nominated by the state assembly, was for a certain period of time.

“If the member is nominated by the state assembly, then the state assembly can take the initiative to terminate his service.

“The matter will then be brought to the Senate. If there is no Senate sitting at that time, the speaker will seek the consent of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to convene a special sitting,” he added.

During the debate, he said, the member concerned would be allowed to participate and also to vote during the voting process.

Last Sunday, Senator Maijol Mahap, who is Pasokmomogun Kadazan Dusun Murut (Upko) vice-president, announced that he had left Barisan Nasional.

On the position of Beaufort Member of Parliament Lajim Ukin and Tuaran Member of Parliament Wilfred Bumburing in Parliament, Dr Wan Junaidi said they would be placed at the Independent block if they did not join the opposition.

He said action would be taken by Parliament after it had been officially informed of the matter.

- Bernama