KUALA LUMPUR: Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) will employ all available legal and political means to ensure several parliamentary seats belonging to the party will be vacated as stipulated in the Anti-Party Hopping Act.
Bersatu Supreme Council member Dr Afif Bahardin said seats such as Labuan, Kuala Kangsar, Bukit Gantang, Gua Musang, Tanah Merah and Tanjung Karang need to be vacated to pave the way for by-elections in the near future.
At the same time, he also criticised the statement by Labuan member of parliament, Datuk Dr Suhaili Abdul Rahman who challenged the party to expel him.
"We at Bersatu challenge him to immediately vacate the Labuan seat because, in reality, the party has many leaders capable of representing and safeguarding the welfare of the people of Labuan.
"We are ready, even in the face of various forms of pressure and intimidation from the PH-BN coalition government," he said in a statement today.
In November last year, Suhaili was suspended by Bersatu for six years for supporting Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, citing that it would facilitate assistance for the people in their constituencies.
Five other Bersatu MPs expressing support for Anwar are Datuk Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal, Zahari Kechik (Jeli), Mohd Azizi Abu Naim (Gua Musang), Datuk Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid (Kuala Kangsar) and Datuk Dr. Zulkafperi Hanafi (Tanjong Karang).
Meanwhile, Dr Afif, who was recently appointed to the council, vows to play a role in
strengthening the direction and foundation of the party's struggle while championing issues concerning the people, especially in advocating for the welfare of the people and developing policies for the future security of the youth in the country.
"Bersatu, within the framework of Perikatan Nasional, will continue to be the leading party representing and advocating for the Bumiputera community and the entire Malaysian population, regardless of race and religion.
"With the unity of the party's leadership and members, my colleagues and I will launch an initiative to approach the younger generation, particularly among young professionals and students, to clarify the party's principles and introduce young leadership figures within Bersatu.
"This initiative aims to encourage greater participation among young professionals and students within the Bersatu struggle," he said.
