KUALA LUMPUR: Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin says the party will take action against seven elected representatives who have declared support for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
"Maybe they don't understand or maybe they are just trying to console themselves (that they will not be affected by Bersatu's constitutional amendments)," said Muhyiddin.
"It's okay. Let them enjoy Hari Raya, we will take action after," he said in a video posted on social media.
Six Bersatu members of Parliament and one assemblyman have gone against their party and pledged support for Anwar.
They include Dr Zulkafperi Hanapi (Tanjung Karang), Zahari Kechik (Jeli), Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid (Kuala Kangsar), Datuk Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal (Bukit Gantang), Suhaili Abdul Rahman (Labuan) and Mohd Azizi Abu Naim (Gua Musang) and Selat Klang assemblyman Datuk Abdul Rashid Asari.
Earlier this week, the Registrar of Societies (RoS) approved an amendment to Bersatu's constitution that sees elected representatives who go against the party automatically ceasing to be a member.
Previously, Muhyiddin said this would automatically trigger a by-election.
In his video today, Muhyiddin said the Bersatu rebels were "free to interpret" the consequences of the party's constitutional amendment, including whether it would affect them.
He said Bersatu took this into account before it decided to amend its constitution.
"We have a team of lawyers, we will ensure the action we take is in line with the party's constitution, the Federal Constitution, and the anti-hopping law.
"So they can interpret it how they want. Just wait. We will enforce (the amendments) and we hope all seven seats will be vacated."