Bersatu amending constitution to scare MPs from backing Anwar, says Dr Zulkafperi

A Bersatu MP who now supports Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim says the party’s decision to amend its constitution is meant to intimidate other elected representatives from switching allegiance.

(FMT) – Tanjong Karang MP Dr Zulkafperi Hanapi said the party seems to be reacting to claims that more Bersatu MPs would be declaring their support for the prime minister and the unity government.

“What Bersatu is attempting to do (by amending its constitution) is to pressure those who are considering changing their support and prevent it from happening,” he said at a press conference last night.

However, Zulkafperi said he was unfazed by the party’s decision as the constitutional changes would not apply to him and his five Bersatu colleagues who now support Anwar.

“I don’t believe it’s binding, but we’ll leave it to our lawyers to handle.

“According to the constitution, any changes should ideally be forward-looking. Retrospective changes would not be binding,” he said, adding that ultimately, the Registrar of Societies will decide whether the amendments are approved.

On Jan 29, Bersatu secretary-general Hamzah Zainudin announced that the party’s Supreme Council agreed to amend Article 10 of the party’s constitution to keep its elected representatives in line.

This comes after six Bersatu MPs declared support for Anwar without leaving the party in order to circumvent the anti-hopping law.

Hamzah said they have also agreed to pursue legal action against elected representatives who betray the party, with the aim of vacating their seats and that the party is prepared to face by-elections.

Apart from Zulkafperi, the other five MPs are Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid (Kuala Kangsar), Suhaili Abdul Rahman (Labuan), Azizi Abu Naim (Gua Musang), Zahari Kechik (Jeli) and Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal (Bukit Gantang).

All six MPs justified their support for the federal government by citing the needs of their constituencies. However, they said they would remain loyal to Bersatu.

Last month, Syed Hussin claimed that up to eight more MPs were expected to declare their support for the unity government.