PUTRAJAYA: The government is open to discussing amendments to the anti-party hopping law to address gaps in the legislation, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said.

Pakatan Harapan (PH), he said, had proposed amendments to the act in 2022, but the government at the time rejected them.

"Previously, we suggested that anyone expelled by their party should vacate their seat, but this was not agreed upon by the government then.

"At that time, Umno members were joining their party, so I believe if amendments are needed, we can discuss to ensure no one is exempted.

"Previously, they (the opposition) opposed it, and many were unaware," he told reporters after attending Friday prayers at Surau An-Najah here today.

Yesterday, Anwar defended Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul's decision not to vacate the six seats held by members of Parliament, who were sacked by Bersatu for declaring their support for the unity government.

Anwar said the decision made by Johari was done in accordance with the law.

He said Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin needed to read the interpretation of the Federal Constitution's anti-hopping law in its entirety, rather than selectively.

On Wednesday, Muhyiddin said that the six MPs would not vacate their seats despite a notice issued by the party.

Dubbed as 'Bersatu rebels', the six MPs are Azizi Abu Naim (Gua Musang), Datuk Dr Zulkafperi Hanapi (Tanjong Karang), Zahari Kechik (Jeli), Datuk Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid (Kuala Kangsar) and Datuk Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal (Bukit Gantang) and Datuk Dr Suhaili Abdul Rahman (Labuan).

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/07/1075605/updated-anwar-govt-open-amending-anti-party-hopping-law