KUALA LUMPUR: Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul confirmed today that he has received a writ of summons from Bersatu for refusing to vacate five parliamentary seats held by its expelled members.
However, Johari said he had yet to see the writ of summons, which was filed by Bersatu through its executive secretary, Datuk Capt (Rtd) Muhammad Suhaimi Yahya and vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee on Nov 15. (Link: https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/11/1136287/bersatu-sues-dewan-ra...)
"Perhaps the higher-ups have already received the writ of summons, but I haven't seen it yet. I will check again. However, I have been informed that it was sent last week.
"The Attorney-General (AG) will respond on behalf of the government and I will leave this matter to the A-G to handle. We will see what happens next," he said when met after attending the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women celebration in Parliament today.
Johari added that he could not comment further on the matter.
"I am acting within the framework of the law and, therefore, we need to resolve matters according to the law," he said.
When further asked about the lawsuit, Johari said, "That is their right. I believe all Malaysians, regardless of ethnicity or party, have rights under the law. Any action taken according to the law will be judged fairly."
The originating summons filed on Nov 15 challenged Johari's action as unconstitutional.
The plaintiffs also named its rogue MPs - Datuk Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid (Kuala Kangsar), Mohd Azizi Abu Naim (Gua Musang), Zahari Kechik (Jeli), Datuk Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal (Bukit Gantang), and Datuk Dr Zulkafperi Hanafi (Tanjong Karang) — as defendants.
The party is seeking a declaration that Johari acted in violation of Article 49A(3) of the Federal Constitution through a letter dated July 9, by erroneously deciding that there was no casual vacancy in the five parliamentary seats.
On Nov 19, Johari affirmed the legal validity of Bersatu's decision to file an originating summons in the High Court, seeking a declaration on its stance regarding the expulsion of five MPs.
Johari said that he would leave the matter to the courts, adding that the law allowed such action.
"The law permits their action, so we will leave it to the court," he said.
Ends
Kw: Bersatu writ, Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul, vacate five parliamentary seats, International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women celebration.