Opposition MPs won't lose status by signing CSA with PM

SHAH ALAM - Opposition and Independent MPs will not lose their status as representatives of the people if they sign the confidence and supply agreement (CSA) solely with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Dewan Negara Speaker Tan Sri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said that the status of a Member of Parliament, especially from the Opposition, does not automatically expire merely by signing the CSA, expressing support for the Prime Minister, supporting government policies, or the presentation of the budget or laws by the government in the House of Representatives.

"Even if an opposition MP supports the government, including during the budget presentation and passing of laws, it does not mean that they automatically lose their status as a representative of the people, unless they resign, leave the party, or join another party.

"However, the status of a MP can be forfeited on their own if the constitution contains a clear clause stating that any of its members who make decisions contrary to the party's policy will automatically lose membership," he told Sinar.

Wan Junaidi said that Opposition and independent MPs are encouraged to sign the CSA to enable them to receive financial allocations, thus helping those in need and developing their respective constituencies.

He said this action is necessary because the 'temptation' or suggestion by the Prime Minister for the Opposition coalition to send representatives for discussions so that the government can allocate appropriate funding was rejected by the majority of Perikatan Nasional members (PN) in Parliament.

Wan Junaidi, who is also a former Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Parliament and Law), said that the Opposition's refusal to engage in negotiations with the Prime Minister or government representatives not only harms themselves but also the people and voters.

For the record, the Anti-Party Hopping Act sets out three conditions that would cause a representative to lose their status as a Member of the House of Representatives, namely: