KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Dr Suhaili Abdul Rahman dares Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin to sack the six members of parliament from Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu), who declared their support for the unity government, from the party.
The challenge by the Labuan MP against Hamzah came on the heels of the Bersatu secretary-general's statement yesterday that the party would sue MPs who have betrayed the party.
Suhaili is one of the six Bersatu MPs who have announced their support for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the unity government.
"I would like to advise the Bersatu top leadership to sack the MPs who they claimed as 'traitors' and going against the party's constitution. Sack us from the party.
"Having that said, we will not submit to their demand for us to relinquish our positions and vacate our seats. Why? Because we were voted (in the general election) by the people, not by the party's top leadership.
"The people did not go down to the street to demand us to step down (after announcing support for Anwar and the unity government).
Therefore, why should we submit to their (Bersatu's) demand since the six of us, including myself, have been suspended from the party for six years," he told the New Straits Times today.
The other MPs from Bersatu who have announced their support for Anwar are Datuk Dr Zulkafperi Hanapi (Tanjong Karang), Datuk Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal (Bukit Gantang), Zahari Kechik (Jeli), Mohd Azizi Abu Naim (Gua Musang) and Datuk Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid (Kuala Kangsar).
"Perikatan Nasional and Bersatu can do whatever they want because there is no turning back (we will not return to Bersatu) for the six of us,
including myself.
"If they want to sue us, go ahead and do it," he said, adding that he is prepared to face Bersatu in court.
Syed Abu Hussin also said he is ready to face Bersatu to defend his case.
"I have no problem with it. If they want to initiate legal action against me, I will seek legal representation to defend my case."
He described the plan by Bersatu to sue the MPs as a waste of time and financial resources that will not benefit the people.
"This is not a criminal issue, it is more of a political move. Therefore, you should address the matter 'politically'. You should focus on offering the best services to the people. You also look after the welfare of your MPs.
"An election is held for the people to vote for their representatives of choice to form the government of the day.
"A strong government will help to ensure the country is administered properly for the wellbeing of the people."
Hamzah, in a statement yesterday, said the Bersatu Supreme Council, which convened a special meeting recently, has agreed for the party take legal action against any of its elected representatives who are found to have betrayed the party.
The legal action, he said, is intended for the elected representatives to vacate their seats.
Hamzah also said the party is prepared to face any by-election.