Muda urges Johari to reconsider decision on ex-Bersatu 6

Muda has urged Dewan Rakyat speaker Johari Abdul to reconsider his decision to allow the six former Bersatu turncoat MPs to keep their seats.

In a statement, the youth-based party said this is because the speaker’s decision sets a “dangerous precedent” that could pave the way for a manoeuvre similar to the Sheraton Move, where politicians betrayed the rakyat’s mandate for their own gain and political expediency.

“The speaker’s interpretation of Article 49A(1) of the Federal Constitution is incorrect, as it clearly states that one ceases to be a member of the Dewan if he/she stops being a member of the political party which the person represented when elected.

“Many opposition MPs have rightfully pointed out that the speaker has acted out of jurisdiction in making the decision, as only the court is empowered to interpret the Federal Constitution.

“The party’s decision to sack its MPs cannot be challenged under Section 18C of the Societies Act 1966,” Muda said today.

Johari (above) last week ruled that the six former Bersatu lawmakers who voiced support for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim could keep their seats, despite the party terminating their membership.

The controversial move drew brickbats from politicians and civil societies alike.

Elaborating, Muda pointed out that the anti-hopping law was enacted in 2022 to stop politicians from hopping to other parties, at the expense of the rakyat’s mandate.

“However, the speaker’s decision could pave the way for MPs to go against their respective parties’ instructions without repercussions.

“This weakens the anti-hopping law and the will of the people who voted based on party lines,” said Muda.

Declare seats vacant

Muda urged the speaker to be non-partisan and reconsider his decision to uphold the Constitution and the people’s will.

“The six seats must be declared vacant, and by-elections must be held to allow the rakyat to decide who they want to represent them in Parliament.

“The decision should not open the doors to Sheraton Move 2.0, where politicians betrayed the rakyat’s mandate. We must ensure political stability and the rakyat’s trust in the country’s democracy,” said Muda.

The party questioned whether Johari decided against the six seats’ vacancy as the government was afraid of facing another round of polls following its loss at the Sungai Bakap by-election.

“Is the speaker not ashamed to see other countries looking at Malaysia as a country that does not implement reforms as promised by Anwar.”

In the statement, Muda also slammed PAS for accepting Rembia assemblyperson Muhammad Jailani Khamis, who is on a six-year suspension from Umno, into its fold.

“PAS’ move could also weaken the anti-hopping legislation and the will of the people who voted based on party lines,” it stressed.

In reiterating the call for Johari to reconsider his decision, Muda said it does not want to see the PKR lawmaker become the first speaker in Malaysian history who has become corrupt for personal expediency, and out of personal ties with Anwar’s administration.

“Muda urges Johari to respect the rule of law and the will of the people and ensure the country’s democracy remains solid and authoritative.”

Akmal hitting 'wrong punching bag' over ex-Bersatu 6: PKR Youth leader

COMMENT | Ex-Bersatu 6 opens door for MPs to fight bad amendments

Legal contradiction allowed ex-Bersatu 6 to keep seats: Lawyer

Amending anti-hopping law needs bipartisan discussion - minister

Anti-hopping law needs tightening: Mat Hasan