Zahid rebuffs GPS claims, reminds BN MPs of their pledge to him

 

BN chairperson Ahmad Zahid Hamidi dismissed GPS’ claim that the two coalitions would join Perikatan Nasional (PN) and its Sabah counterpart, GRS, to form a government.

At the same time, Zahid - who is under pressure to quit - reminded BN MPs that they had signed a pledge giving him the mandate to determine any political cooperation to form a government.

In a statement posted on BN’s Facebook page, the coalition chief said he had never negotiated with GPS or PN to form a government.

As for the BN MP’s pledge, Zahid stressed there would be consequences for those who defied it.

“Any (BN) MPs who violate the party’s orders will result in them forfeiting party membership, as well as their Parliament seats,” he said citing the anti-hopping law.

Under the anti-hopping law, an MP who quits or resigns from their party forfeits their seat.

However, unlike DAP and Amanah, Umno's party rules do not compel rogue MPs who go against party decisions to "resign" - thus, triggering the anti-hopping law.

Hence, it is possible for Umno MPs to go against the party position without worrying about losing their seats.

Whether the pledge by BN MPs could result in them forfeiting their seats under the anti-hopping law would likely have to be resolved in court.

[More to follow] - Mkini