‘Bersatu 4’ confident not affected by anti-hopping law

Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) has clarified that it was fully aware of the possible consequences to be faced by the four Bersatu MPs who had left the party.

In a statement today, GRS secretary-general Masidi Manjun (above) said they were confident that they will not be affected by the anti-hopping law.

“GRS and the four MPs were fully aware the anti-hopping law had come into effect on Oct 5 before they stood as candidates for the 15th general election.

“They will inform the speaker of Parliament, if and when necessary of their position and will issue a statement accordingly,” he added.

This comes after former law minister Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar’s remarks that the four Sabah MPs who left Bersatu have no choice but to vacate their seats once their exit from the party was formalised.

Wan Junaidi, who was the minister that oversaw the passage of the anti-hopping law earlier this year, said the quartet's continued allegiance to GRS did not matter.

The four had won their seats under a GRS ticket, which in turn is a formally registered political party that served as a coalition platform for Sabah Bersatu and four Sabah-based parties.

The four MPs in question are Armizan Ali (Papar), Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan (Batu Sapi), Jonathan Yasin (Ranau) and Matbali Musah (Sipitang).

It was reported on Saturday that Sabah Bersatu virtually collapsed after then-chairperson Hajiji Noor announced that its members had quit, with a plan to form another party.

They include four parliamentarians and 15 state assemblypersons.

Sabah Bersatu has five MPs - four of whom contested under the GRS banner during GE15.

The anti-hopping law does not cover the 15 state assemblypersons as the state legislative assembly has yet to enact the relevant laws.

Wan Junaidi: 'Bersatu 4' to lose seats upon formally leaving party

Fate of four Sabah Bersatu MPs will be determined by anti-hopping law

Ronald stays with Sabah Bersatu, vows to rebuild it

Sabah Bersatu exodus will put anti-hopping law to the test

Sabah Bersatu collapses, GRS members to form new party

Sabah's Star quits PN, party president confirms

Muda leaders tight-lipped on whether Syed Saddiq will be part of cabinet

Ministers with court cases? Anwar considering ‘all views’

Hajiji holds meeting with DAP leaders in KL

Busy Sunday for PM as he meets Johor sultan, Sabah leaders