GEORGE TOWN: Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said Parliament's Opposition leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin's statement on the removal of four assemblymen was an utter contempt of the courts and the state Constitution.

"Hamzah's statement that the state abused its power in vacating the assemblymen's seats is disparaging the decision of the courts and also the Anti-Hopping law enacted by the state.

Chow was answering an oral question by Lim Guan Eng (PH-Ayer Puteh) who had asked what was the state government's response to Perikatan supporters' spreading of false narratives on the removal of the four assemblymen.

Chow said the four constituencies would be “adopted” by current assemblymen as to continue the service to people in the area.

The seats of four assemblymen, Zulkifli Ibrahim (Sungai Acheh), Dr Afif Bahardin (Seberang Jaya), Khaliq Mehtab Mohd Ishaq (Bertam) and Zolkifly Md Lazim (Telok Bahang) were vacated after an acrimonious debate in the state assembly on Monday (March 6).

Citing excerpts on the powers of the state assembly, Chow said the motion under Article 18(1) of the state Constitution which says "If any question arises whether a member of the Legislative Assembly has become disqualified for membership, the decision of the Assembly shall be taken and shall be final:

(Provided that this Article shall not be taken to prevent the practice of the Assembly postponing a decision in order to allow for the taking or determination of any proceedings for removal of the disqualification)".

Meanwhile, Speaker Datuk Law Choo Kiang said Datuk Muhamad Yusoff Mohd Noor (Umno-Sungai Dua) will remain as the Opposition leader of the state.

"While the state has received a letter from Perikatan Nasional to appoint Khaliq as the Opposition leader, the latest development where his seat was vacated prevents him from holding the position.

Law said since the state assembly would be dissolved at any time next few months, with this being the last sitting, Muhamad Yusoff will remain in his position.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2023/03/07/hamzah039s-statement-on-penang-reps039-removal-an-insult-to-the-courts-and-state-constitution-says-cm