Wednesday, April 3, 2024

Rebel MP: Speedy approval to Bersatu charter changes proves PM's calibre

Gua Musang MP Mohd Azizi Abu Naim claimed that the newly approved amendments to Bersatu’s constitution are proof of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s praiseworthy leadership.

Azizi, who is one of six Bersatu MPs who pledged support for the prime minister, said this showed the government was not abusing its power to interfere with its agencies or ministries' day-to-day affairs.

“Congratulations to Bersatu for getting the Registrar of Society’s (ROS) approval within a short period and this is another proof of a commendable step by Anwar and the government.

“I have read the constitutional amendments approved by ROS on April 1. I don’t consider it an April Fool’s Day prank because each party has the right to enact and amend their constitution according to current needs,” he told Malaysiakini.

However, Azizi is confident that the approved amendment would not affect his position and that of the other five Bersatu MPs who pledged support to Anwar’s administration last year.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim

“(After reading the approved amendments) we see that there is no connection (between) our actions last year. There are no changes to the clause except a section that says membership can be cancelled if any member supports the government other than our own party.

“But that only came into effect on April 1,” he said.

Azizi added that he would also refer the matter to Dewan Rakyat speaker Johari Abdul for follow-up action and meet with the other five Bersatu MPs to discuss it.

The amendment to Article 10 of Bersatu’s constitution stipulates matters of resignation and dismissal of party members.

Dewan Rakyat speaker Johari Abdul

Under the approved amendment, any elected representative of Bersatu who defects from the party would automatically cease to be a member of the party.

In doing so, the defectors will also trigger the anti-hopping law per Article 49A of the Federal Constitution and their seats will be vacated.

Bersatu Youth Chief Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal claimed that the approval would allow the party to vacate the six MPs’ seats and make way for parliamentary by-elections.

‘I still love Bersatu’

Despite pledging his support to Anwar’s government, Azizi insisted that he never indicated that he would leave the party.

“I still love Bersatu and never intended to leave. Instead, I am just supporting the ruling government,” he added.

He said if the party wants to hold a by-election, keeping the seats will not be easy, especially in Gua Musang.

During the 15th general election, Azizi contested in Gua Musang under the PAS ticket and won against Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah with a slim majority of 163 votes after garnering 21,826 votes.

No comments:

Post a Comment

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.