KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 9): The anti-party-hopping law does not apply to four Bersatu Members of Parliament (MPs) as they only made public declarations to support Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the unity government, according to Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul.

Thus, Johari said the four do not need to vacate their seats.

During a news conference at the Parliament building on Thursday, Johari clarified that the anti-party-hopping law doesn't prevent any MP from offering individual support to the prime minister. 

He added that there are only a few scenarios that would require an MP to vacate their seat, such as switching to another party, quitting their own party, or an independent MP joining a party.

"What has actually happened is that these MPs have pledged their support to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar, and it doesn't violate any regulations. Therefore, their seats will not be vacated," Johari explained.

Recently, four Bersatu MPs pledged their support for Anwar's leadership, citing the well-being of their constituents. The four MPs are Zahari Kechik (Jeli), Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid (Kuala Kangsar), Suhaili Abdul Rahman (Labuan), and Mohd Azizi Abu Naim (Gua Musang).

All four have affirmed their loyalty to Bersatu. However, Iskandar has been suspended from Bersatu for four years, and Suhaili for six years by the Bersatu disciplinary board.

Johari also emphasised that the government remains stable as the prime minister enjoys the support of a two-thirds majority of MPs.

Meanwhile, Johari confirmed that he has received a written letter from the four Bersatu MPs requesting a change in their seating positions in the Dewan Rakyat. 

However, he mentioned that he would make a decision after the Deepavali holiday.

"I received the written letter from all four of them, and it's my prerogative. I will see at the setup [current arrangement] of the seats in the Dewan Rakyat first," Johari stated. 

He also indicated that he would contact the four MPs soon to discuss the matter in an "informal meeting".

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