Vacate the seats or face state polls, Afif tells MPs who shift supports

SHAH ALAM - Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) has announced its intention to pursue legal action against all six of its Members of Parliament who switched sides by declaring support for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Its Supreme Leadership Council Member Dr Afif Bahardin stated that the party intended to employ all available legal and political avenues.

He stressed that the step was taken to ensure that the parliamentary seats of Labuan, Kuala Kangsar, Bukit Gantang, Gua Musang, Tanah Merah, and Tanjung Karang could be vacated as stipulated in the Anti-Hopping Act, paving the way for upcoming by-elections.

"I condemn the statement issued by Labuan Member of Parliament Datuk Dr. Suhaili Abdul Rahman, challenging the party to dismiss him. So, I challenge them to vacate the seat immediately.

“In reality, Bersatu has many more leaders who are capable of representing and safeguarding the interests of the people of Labuan, even if they have to face various forms of pressure and intimidation from the administration of the Prime Minister and the PH-BN government," he said in a statement on Thursday.

In the meantime, Dr Afif, who was recently appointed as a member of the Bersatu Supreme Leadership Council last Sunday, expressed his gratitude to President Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

He also prayed for strength in carrying out this significant responsibility to strengthen and advance the party in the future.

"Besides continuing to strengthen the direction and foundation of the party's struggle, the role given to me will be fully utilised for me to champion the people's issues, especially in the agenda to defend the welfare of the people and develop future-proof policies for young people in Malaysia.

"Bersatu, within the framework of the Perikatan Nasional, will continue to be the leading party to represent and defend the Bumiputera community and the entire Malaysian population, regardless of race and religion," Dr Afif added.

He highlighted he and his colleagues would try to approach the youths, especially young professionals and students.

Afiq said that this was to clarify the party's principles, introduce young leadership figures in Bersatu to the public, and encourage more participation among young professionals and students in the party's pure struggle.