KUALA LUMPUR: Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi has reiterated that Umno's members of parliament (MPs) will face repercussions if found involved in external political alliances.
He said that this aligns with the existing anti-party hopping law and Umno's constitution, which binds them to such consequences.
"Speculations have surfaced, linking several Umno MPs to the controversial Dubai move, raising concerns about potential political improprieties within Umno's circles.
"So, if there are any Umno MPs involved, their efforts are pointless.
"Clause 20.11 of the Umno constitution explicitly states that an MP will lose their party membership if they join a political pact not involving Umno," he said in a recent Facebook post.
The amendment to the party's constitution occurred during the special general assembly on Jan 13 last year.
It is aimed at preventing MPs from switching sides, including lending support to the opposition in exchange for the prime minister's post.
Puad added that any Umno MP involved would also face the consequences of the anti-hopping law, resulting in the declaration of their seats as vacant, requiring a by-election.
"Additionally, they are bound by a statutory declaration mandating them to pay RM100 million (for defecting).
"The 10 MPs who signed different SDs after the 15th general election (GE15) have had enough. These traitors need to face severe punishment."
Earlier, Umno secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki cautioned that Umno Members of Parliament could face expulsion and risk having their parliamentary seats declared vacant for joining political coalitions not affiliated with the party.
Asyraf's statement followed remarks made by Pas Election Director Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor last month, claiming that Perikatan Nasional (PN) had already secured enough statutory declarations (SD) to challenge the unity government.