Will Johari declare six Bersatu seats vacant? Decision imminent
Political tensions rise as Speaker reviews Bersatu MPs' status
SHAH ALAM - The Dewan Rakyat session for the Third Term of the 15th Parliament, which begins today, will be closely watched as Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul decides the status of six Members of Parliament from Bersatu.
The six MPs in question are Datuk Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul (Bukit Gantang), Datuk Suhaili Abdul Rahman (Labuan), Zahari Kechik (Jeli), Mohd Azizi Abu Naim (Gua Musang), Datuk Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid (Kuala Kangsar), and Datuk Dr Zulkafperi Hanafi (Tanjong Karang).
Their memberships were terminated after failing to respond to a written directive from the party's Supreme Council (MPT) to pledge their loyalty.
Johari will decide whether vacancies will be in the six parliamentary seats represented by these MPs.
This decision follows a statement by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi on June 8, indicating that Johari will decide based on parliamentary rules.
"We leave this to the Speaker’s discretion according to parliamentary rules, and we wait until the parliamentary session in the middle of this month," Zahid said.
The decision is expected to be challenging as it could impact both parliamentary dynamics and the country's politics.
Any decision must adhere to the Constitution and the law.
A notice of vacancy under Article 49A of the Federal Constitution involving the six Bersatu MPs was previously submitted and received by the Speaker's office.
Beluran MP and Bersatu Vice President Datuk Seri Ronald Kiandee signed the notice regarding the vacancies in the Jeli, Gua Musang, Bukit Gantang, Kuala Kangsar, Tanjong Karang, and Labuan parliamentary seats.
"The confirmation of these unexpected vacancies should be respected, especially as Section 18C of the Societies Act stipulates that any decision by a political party is final and conclusive," Kiandee said.
He expressed confidence that Johari would ensure the legislative body remains free from partisan political influence by respecting the Constitution and upholding the rule of law.
"He has no choice but to declare the six parliamentary seats vacant and subsequently inform the Election Commission (EC) to enable by-elections to be held," Kiandee added.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has left the decision to Johari. "The matter of the six Bersatu MPs' seats has been referred to the Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat. Let the Speaker decide," Anwar said.
Article 49A(1) of the Federal Constitution states that a Member of the House shall cease to hold office and their seat shall become vacant as soon as the Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat confirms the unexpected vacancy.
