The two Bersatu assemblypersons who shifted their loyalty from Pakatan Harapan to Perikatan Nasional vowed not to remain quiet if forced to vacate their seats.
Bertam assemblyperson Khaliq Mehtab Mohd Ishaq said he would mount a legal challenge when Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow files a motion in the state legislative assembly to compel him to vacate his seat.
"We will challenge the motion as the state enactment related to anti-party hopping (Section 114 of the Penang Constitution) is ultra vires to the Federal Constitution which guarantees freedom of association," he told Malaysiakini.
"We will not sit quietly and will act when the motion is filed at the coming state legislative assembly.
"The state enactment does not affect me as I did not jump ship. If I jumped ship to Umno or PAS, then it can be applied to me," he stressed.
Yesterday, Chow (photo) said the move to file a motion at the state assembly was in line with Section 14A of the Penang Constitution where defecting assemblypersons are required to vacate their seats.
Seberang Jaya assemblyperson Dr Afif Bahardin also shares the same fate as he was suspended from PKR, pending a decision by the disciplinary board.
He had described the move as "biased and against democracy", adding he was seeking legal advice to challenge attempts to vacate his seat.
Khaliq, who was recently appointed chairperson of the federal Penang Regional Development Authority, went on to state that he shifted allegiance to PN as it was his party's decision for him to do so.
"Harapan is not a political party. It is only a coalition," he added.
Khaliq said he had given much thought to his decision, saying that the matter had also been discussed within his party.
He is prepared to face any action from the state and said, "I have to look after my voters in Bertam."
"I am not surprised over Chow's statement. We expected it due to the change in government.
"We will now be a proactive and constructive opposition as there are six of us now," he added.
On the same note, Teluk Bahang assemblyperson Zolkifly Md Lazim (photo) said he would not step down as he won the 14th general election under Bersatu's ticket.
He said he would continue to serve Teluk Bahang constituents as he did not change parties.
"Filing a motion in the state assembly cannot make me vacate my seat," he added.
On accepting the offer as a member of the board of advisors for Mara Corp Sdn Bhd, Zolkifly replied: "Is Penang PKR Youth jealous I had been offered the post?"
"Why not? I have the ability to hold the post, are they jealous of that?" he added.
The wing had urged Chow to initiate legal action against the Bersatu duo over their change in political loyalties.
In Penang, the Harapan plus Bersatu formula applies as Penang Bersatu chairperson Marzuki Yahya stated that the party officially supports the ruling party.
But Khaliq and Zollifly were stripped of their rights wile state allocations meant for their constituencies would be managed by "adun angkat" (replacement representatives).
Penang PKR chairperson Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik (Balik Pulau MP) and Nurul Izzah Anwar (Permatang Pauh) would oversee Teluk Bahang and Bertam respectively, while Ahmad Zakiyuddin Abdul Rahman, the deputy chief minister I and Penaga assemblyperson would take care of Seberang Jaya. - Mkini
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