COMMENT | Was the speaker's decision constitutional?

COMMENT | Six MPs who stood in the last general election under the Bersatu’s logo switched their support to the prime minister after having been elected by the voters in their respective parliamentary constituencies.

Yes, they decided to back Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in defiance of the party’s stance as the opposition. It was not clear what they had in mind when they decided to switch loyalty.

The six MPs are Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal (Bukit Gantang), Zahari Kechik (Jeli), Mohd Azizi Abu Naim (Gua Musang), Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid (Kuala Kangsar), Suhaili Abdul Rahman (Labuan), and Zulkafperi Hanapi (Tanjong Karang).

In the meantime, Bersatu had amended its constitution to prevent its members from switching sides. The said amendment was duly approved by the Registrar of Societies (ROS) and came into effect on April 1, 2024.