KUALA LUMPUR: “I am not a ‘postman’”, says Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul after several Perikatan Nasional MPs took him to task over his decision to maintain the seats of the six former Bersatu MPs.

Johari said that when the matter was brought to him, he had studied all aspects, including statements regarding the anti-hopping law.

“Hence, I made the decision to maintain the seats as I have informed Beluran (Datuk Seri Ronald Kiandee),” he said.

This came about after several senior Perikatan Nasional leaders, namely Kiandee, Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan (PN-Kota Bharu), and Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin (PN-Larut), questioned the decision during the debates on the Evidence of Child Witness Act.

Kiandee, the Bersatu chief whip, said Johari had gone beyond his powers in making the decision, as per Article 49 of the Federal Constitution.

“Under Article 49(3), Tan Sri, you are only given the power to ensure the seats are vacated and not to make a decision. On top of that, you have disputed the amendment of the Bersatu Constitution that was officially approved by the Registrar of Societies,” he said.

“How do you reconcile this Tan Sri?” he asked.

Meanwhile, Takiyuddin, the Opposition chief, asked if the decision on the six rogue MPs is a “binding precedent” for the future.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/07/11/speaker-defends-decision-amidst-perikatan-mps039-criticism