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PETALING JAYA: The six MPs who recently ceased to be members of Bersatu after pledging support for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim today said they would continue serving their constituents as independents.

Labuan MP Suhaili Abdul Rahman, who spoke on behalf of the six at a press conference, said they would not join any party.

“The only reason we pledged support for Anwar’s government was because we wanted allocations to help the people in our areas. That’s all,” he said.

Also present were Azizi Abu Naim (Gua Musang), Dr Zulkafperi Hanapi (Tanjong Karang), Zahari Kechik (Jeli), and Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid (Kuala Kangsar).

Bukit Gantang MP Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal did not attend the press conference as he was unwell.

Suhaili said the decision by Dewan Rakyat Speaker Johari Abdul that they were not required to vacate their seats was “definite”.

Bersatu said last month that the six MPs had ceased to be members of the party after failing to respond to a notice to confirm their loyalty.

Suhaili also said they had previously asked Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin for funding to help their constituencies.

“We waited for more than a year and all we got was empty promises.

“In the end, we decided to support Anwar’s government,” he said, adding that the six MPs were elected because the people had voted for them.

“We are not here because of our president, so who should we prioritise? Of course, the people who voted for us.”

Yesterday, Muhyiddin confirmed that Johari had decided not to vacate the seats held by the six MPs.

Muhyiddin said the speaker’s decision was “disappointing” and against the written and implied provisions of Article 49A(3) of the Federal Constitution.

The former prime minister added that Bersatu would appoint lawyers to challenge Johari’s decision in court.