KUALA LUMPUR: Analysts contend that Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) is hesitating to take decisive action against its members of Parliament (MP) who have sidelined the party, citing its reluctance to risk further losing parliamentary seats.
International Islamic University Malaysia Associate Professor of Political Science Dr Syaza Farhana Mohamad Shukri said if the party implements strict actions, it will only weaken the party.
"Bersatu is reluctant to dismiss their MPs due to the potential loss of parliamentary seats, a move that could trigger by-elections.
"This decision is in line with the main criticism of the anti-party hopping law, emphasising the party's influence over the MPs' positions.
"I am confident that the top leadership will adhere to precedent and opt for suspension only," she told the New Straits Times.
Addressing the MPs' request for a change in parliamentary seating, Syaza expressed concern that it could lead to confusion as the MPs would technically deviate from the party line.
"With the change in seating arrangements, the four MPs would join the government bloc, resulting in a numerical loss for Perikatan Nasional. Bersatu cannot afford to dismiss these members and further reduce their numbers.
"Considering their discussions about attracting MPs from the government to join them (PN), sacking the four members would contradict what they promised their voters.
"Opting for suspension, at least, allows them to issue a stern warning without diminishing their numbers," she said.
Yesterday, the four MPs from the opposition bloc who expressed support for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, submitted a request for a seating change in the Dewan Rakyat.
Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul acknowledged receiving the application on Nov 9 and plans to meet them soon to discuss the matter.
Universiti Sains Malaysia political analyst Professor Dr Sivamurugan Pandian warned that Bersatu might face a crisis of political legitimacy if such issues persist.
"Even if Bersatu decided to dismiss their MPs, those four could retain their seats, as accorded in the Anti-Hopping Law.
"This situation places the party in a position where taking intense action against them becomes imperative," he said.
He also stressed the urgency for Bersatu to find immediate remedies to prevent further defections in support of the prime minister.
"Those MPs did not leave the party to avoid automatic vacant seats," he said.
Meanwhile, Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) political analyst Dr. Abdul Aziz Azizam expressed concerns about PN 's integrity, including Bersatu.
"Bersatu has become a party that can no longer be trusted within the composition of PN. The party is only filled with political leaders who have their own interests."
"They are also incapable of representing the aspirations of PN as outlined among Pas, Bersatu, and other components at one time."
Aziz said the action taken by the four members of Parliament also seem as if they are shirking their responsibilities as representatives of the people.
"The opposition has a significant responsibility in balancing this democratic discourse by presenting well-thought-out alternative ideas.
"They should offer a broader perspective in addressing the current issues facing the people today.
"We understand that the people are currently facing challenges and are somewhat burdened by the cost of living and economic situations, among others. The opposition needs to assist by providing constructive perspectives for discussion and potential implementation."