Johari: Six ex-Bersatu MPs still with opposition unless stated otherwise

PARLIAMENT | Dewan Rakyat speaker Johari Abdul has reiterated that six former Bersatu MPs who pledged their support for the government remain part of the opposition bloc.

Noting that the six parliamentarians had never written to him to request their removal from the bloc, Johari told the lower House today that he considers the lawmakers to still be opposition representatives.

“As long as there is no black and white of them stating their intention to leave the opposition bloc and join (the government bench)... I have to be fair to them, (so) I have taken the stand that they are still part of the opposition,” Johari said.

In response to opposition chief whip Takiyuddin Hassan’s (PN-Kota Bharu) protests, arguing that the six MPs should not be considered opposition representatives as they had already declared their support for the government, Johari stood his ground on his ruling.

“I have also heard other (opposition) MPs stating their support for the government on certain issues… Yes, they are in the opposition. In this Dewan, they are either here or there (government or opposition),” Johari said. 

Johari’s decision not to vacate the seats of the six opposition MPs who announced their support for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s administration had previously drawn flak from Perikatan Nasional.

The opposition coalition claimed that the speaker’s move failed to uphold the true intent of the anti-party hopping law.

The six MPs involved are Suhaili Abdul Rahman (Labuan), Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal (Bukit Gantang), Zahari Kechik (Jeli), Azizi Abu Naim (Gua Musang), Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid (Kuala Kangsar), and Dr Zulkafperi Hanafi (Tanjong Karang).

They have been sacked from Bersatu after declaring support for the prime minister.

‘Are they mamba?’

The status of the six turncoat MPs was initially raised by Bersatu MP Rosol Wahid (PN-Hulu Terengganu), who asked the speaker to clarify whether the lawmakers are considered “part of the government, opposition, fence-sitters, or ‘mamba’”.

When questioned by Johari, Rosol described “mamba” as a term to address someone who is “not hard”.

However, his use of the word drew the ire of DAP MPs Chong Zhemin (Harapan-Kampar) and RSN Rayer (Harapan-Jelutong), who accused Rosol of “unparliamentarian” behaviour.

Rayer’s claim that the use of the word reflects PAS’ “standards” also triggered a shouting match in Parliament, with several opposition MPs slamming his remark as uncalled for and unrelated to the matter at hand.

“Jelutong has insulted Islam! You (Rayer) are really anti-Islam!” Takiyuddin, who is also PAS secretary-general, was heard yelling amid the brief commotion.

Coming to Rayer’s defence, Chong demanded that Takiyuddin retract his accusations against Rayer.

While Johari attempted to diffuse tensions by explaining how words can have differing meanings in various local dialects, Chong refused to let the matter go, insisting that Rosol and Takiyuddin should be made to retract their remarks.

“I have made a decision that the case is closed,” Johari eventually said, ending the spat before the House resumed with debates on the 13th Malaysia Plan.

Reporting by Qistina Nadia Dzulqarnain, Alyaa Alhadjri, and B Nantha Kumar.

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