NO BY-ELECTIONS SEEN FOR BERSATU REBELS - INDIRECT PARTY HOPPING WILL CARRY ON - RoS UNLIKELY TO ALLOW RETROSPECTIVE EFFECT ON AMENDMENT TO MAKE 'FROGGIE' MPs MORE ACCOUNTABLE TO VOTERS & THEIR PARTY - BY VACATING THEIR SEATS
Written by Stan Lee, Politics Now!
KUALA LUMPUR (Politics Now!) - In what will probably turn out to be more hollow boasts from opposition Members of Parliament who had controversially declared support for embattled Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, two Bersatu leaders said they were ready to vacate their seats should their party amend its constitution to prevent such indirect party-hopping activities.
However, analysts were unimpressed with Syed Abu's bold words and saw them as mere verbal flourish.
"Do you really think the RoS will really approve any such amendment with retrospective effect? I think the Bersatu rebels are just trying to sound like heroes," a political watcher told Politics Now!
The RoS or Registrar of Societies falls under the Home Ministry's purview and the Home Minister is Saifuddin Nasution, one of Anwar's most trusted lieutenants who is widely expected to block any moves that could jeopardize Anwar's political position.
NO BY-ELECTIONS FORESEEN, NO RETROSPECTIVE EFFECT
If Syed Abu and party mate Mohd Azizi Abu Naim, the MP for Gua Musang who held Thursday's (Feb 29) press conference really followed through with their promises, then by-elections would be called - giving voters the chance to either elect new representatives or to endorse them and their controversial decision which is seen as goings against the grain of the mandate given to them during the 2022 general election.
"The odds are stacked against any electoral tests that Anwar's minders would consider as detrimental to his prestige and the chances are high the Bersatu six will be kicked out and punished by Bersatu supporters in the event of by-elections," said the analyst.
Bersatu, which heads the main opposition bloc PN, had announced its plans to hold a special general assembly in March to discuss amending its constitution after six of its MPs tapped a loophole in the Anti-Hopping Law. The six refused to resign their seats, insisting they were still loyal to Bersatu - yet at the same time also declared support for Anwar in exchange for federal funding for their constituencies.
The Bersatu 'rebels' and Anwar have been condemned by civil society and ethics groups, including free and fair polls watchdog Bersih, for playing unhealthy politics.
"The decision to support the prime minister is a commitment from us and has nothing to do with having remuneration," FMT reported Syed Abu Hussin, the MP for Bukit Gantang as saying a day ago.
"It was made (the decision to support Anwar) after a year being in the opposition bloc, which does not bring any benefit for our constituents. Hence, we are ready to face any possibilities, including vacating our seats should it really need to be done."
SUPPORT FOR ANWAR NOTHING TO DO WITH MONEY, CLAIMS SYED ABU
Syed Abu also accused his own party, currently led by former prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin, of trying to intimidate its members so as to stop more of its MPs from declaring support for Anwar.
He again denied claims of corruption or that he was allowances and incentives to switch support to the government - yet refused to resign his seat. Syed Abu had not only received federal allocations but was appointed by Anwar to lead the National Action Council on Cost of Living (Naccol),
"The party decides to amend the constitution to prevent and prohibit more Bersatu MPs from supporting different parties, which will automatically revoke their membership.
"There was no mention of membership revoked (in the constitution previously). Hence, we will see the amendment of the constitution first and we will challenge if the case is brought to court.
"This (the National Action Council position) has nothing to do with money as I am not given any pay or allowances (for the appointment) as what is being said by certain parties.
"Hence, do not use the House as a place to play politics as it is a place to discuss important issues," said Syed Abu.
Written by Stan Lee, Politics Now!
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