KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Dr Zulkafperi Hanapi has insisted that he is still Tanjong Karang member of parliament (MP), despite the termination of his Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) membership.
Citing Article 49A(1) of the Federal Constitution, Zulkafperi said the parliamentary seat would become vacant only if the MP himself relinquished his membership in the party, was no longer a member of the party, or decided to join another party.
"The Federal Constitution also specifically outlines three conditions for vacating a seat in the Dewan Rakyat, in which, such actions or announcements can be made only by the MP and not by any third party.
"Furthermore, Article 49A(2)(c) of the Federal Constitution also states that my position as an MP did not end when my membership with Bersatu ceased."
Article 49A(2) of the Constitution, states three types of actions by third parties that do not directly affect the status of an MP, including the dissolution or cancellation of the registration of his political party and the dismissal from party membership.
He said all the six Bersatu MPs had submitted their explanations to Dewan Rakyat speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul on June 27.
On June 20, Bersatu confirmed that it had submitted the notice to Johari's office on the status of its six MPs.
Bersatu vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee, who is also Beluran MP, in a statement, said the notice to inform of the vacancy at the six parliamentary seats was submitted per Article 49A of the Federal Constitution.
Other than Zulkafperi, the five other MPs are Datuk Syed Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal (Bukit Gantang), Zahari Kechik (Jeli), Mohd Azizi Abu Naim (Gua Musang), Datuk Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid (Kuala Kangsar) and Datuk Suhaili Abdul Rahman (Labuan).
Asked if he was ready to face a by-election, like what will happen after Neggiri state seat in Kelantan was vacated, Zulkafperi said; "It is too early for me to say, I do not want to create any speculation. Let us all wait."
Asked further if what he had planned for the constituency had materialised after he pledged his support for Anwar, Zulkafperi replied; "Alhamdulillah (praise God), I have tried my best since I declared support (for the prime minister) by organising various programmes.
"The people of Tanjung Karang have been supportive and cooperative because this is what they want.
"They said that compared with a year ago, when I could not do much, now I can do things for the people.
"This is what the people want."