Bersatu info chief: MP who backed PM safe for now

Kuala Kangsar MP Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid may not be sacked from Bersatu for supporting Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

According to Bersatu information chief Razali Idris, a member may only face the axe if he/she party hops and sits on the government bloc in the Dewan Rakyat.

"The party is yet to discuss the course of action (to be taken against Iskandar), but it may not involve sacking.

"He can only be sacked if he crosses the line. If he sits on the government side, then yes, action can be taken," Utusan Malaysia quoted Razali as saying.

On Oct 12, Iskandar (above) voiced support for Anwar's premiership, citing the rising cost of living in his constituency.

He said his decision was also meant to test whether the prime minister was sincere in providing allocation to any MP who supports the unity government’s policies.

Following the declaration, Perikatan Nasional secretary-general Hamzah Zainudin alleged that Iskandar was "intimidated and blackmailed" into supporting Anwar's leadership, or risk facing corruption charges.

MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki has denied the allegation.

Elaborating, Razali admitted being 'upset' with Iskandar’s reason.

"There's no smoke without fire. If his reason (for supporting PM) is allocation, other leaders are facing the same issue."

Baseless allegation

Meanwhile, Utusan also quoted former Election Commissioner deputy chairperson Wan Ahmad Wan Omar as saying that PN's allegation was an 'assumption' that's not backed with evidence.

Wan Ahmad also said that Iskandar's position as MP is still 'safe', as he would not lose his seat for party hopping.

According to Wan Ahmad, an MP has the right to support anyone, even though their stance contrasts with that of their party.

"Under parliamentary democracy, an MP can voice support for any political party leader.

"Therefore, Iskandar remains Kuala Kangsar MP as he has not changed his party, or quit PN," Utusan quoted Wan Ahmad saying.

Bersatu Youth chief Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal echoed Wan Ahmad's opinion.

The same Malay daily quoted the Machang MP as saying that Iskandar's position (as MP) will not be affected even if he gets sacked from Bersatu.

He said this is because Bersatu does not have a clause that states any sacked member (MP or assemblyperson) will be considered as having party hopped and will have to vacate their seats immediately.

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