KUALA LUMPUR, July 19 — Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, president of Bersatu, has accused Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul of acting unconstitutionally by refusing to vacate the seats of six federal lawmakers expelled from the party. Muhyiddin asserted that the Speaker’s decision contradicted Article 49A(1)(a)(ii) of the Federal Constitution, which mandates the vacation of seats for MPs who cease to be members of their respective parties.
In a press conference held at the Parliament building today, Muhyiddin criticized the Speaker’s reasoning as perverse and in breach of anti-hopping provisions enshrined in the constitution. He further declared that legal action may be pursued, with consultations already underway with Bersatu’s legal advisors to challenge the Speaker’s ruling in court if necessary. The dispute underscores ongoing political tensions, as Muhyiddin and Bersatu navigate challenges posed by internal dissent and parliamentary procedures amidst broader political maneuvers in Malaysia.
