BUKIT MERTAJAM: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has scoffed at Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin's "challenge" to declare the seats of seven Bersatu "defectors" vacant.
"The 'kepala parti lompat' (chief party hopper) is proposing that.
"It is up to the seven elected representatives who defected (declared support for the government). Why ask me?," he told reporters when asked on Muhyiddin's remarks today.
Earlier, at Perikatan Nasional's convention for elected representatives, Muhyiddin dared the Dewan Rakyat and Selangor State Assembly speakers to declare the seats of the seven Bersatu elected representatives vacant.
The seven, comprising six members of Parliament and one assemblyman, have declared support for the unity government.
The MPs are Datuk Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal (Bukit Gantang), Mohd Azizi Abu Naim (Gua Musang), Datuk Dr Zulkafperi Hanapi (Tanjong Karang), Zahari Kechik (Jeli), Datuk Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid (Kuala Kangsar) dan Datuk Dr Suhaili Abdul Rahman (Labuan).
The state assemblyman is Datuk Abdul Rashid Asari (Selat Klang).
"He (Muhyiddin) is the expert in party hopping and 'scheme of things'. He should answer to that," Anwar said, adding it was clear the seven Bersatu men lost confidence in the party.
Earlier, Anwar attended a get-together with the police and community at the Seberang Prai Tengah district police headquarters.
Present were Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain and Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay.
In his speech at the event, Anwar urged the police to be more swift in handling complaints of criminal sexual harassment against women and children.
He said the Inspector-General of Police has given his commitment to act without fear and favour
Meanwhile, Anwar also announced a RM500,000 allocation for the upgrading of surau at the district police headquarters and another RM1 million for the police quarters in Seberang Jaya.
He also assured that he would continue to look after the wellbeing of the police other groups in the country.