Chow said the opposition leader’s description of the removal of the four assemblymen as an abuse of power and politically motivated was also in contempt of Penang’s constitution.

Yesterday, the state assembly voted to vacate the seats of Khaliq Mehtab Ishaq (Bertam), Zolkifly Lazim (Teluk Bahang), Dr Afif Bahardin (Seberang Jaya) and Zulkifli Ibrahim (Sungai Acheh).

They were elected on a Pakatan Harapan ticket but aligned themselves to PN following the Sheraton Move in 2020.

Khaliq and Zolkifly have always been Bersatu members, while Afif and Zulkifli were previously in PKR but joined Bersatu in 2020.

Chow told the state assembly today the Federal Court had ruled that Penang’s anti-hopping clause was constitutional, adding that this was why the move to vacate the seats was lawful.

“The view that was voiced out was not only contemptuous of the court, but the Penang constitution,” he said in response to a question from Lim Guan Eng (PH-Air Putih) on Hamzah’s remarks.

Chow also said the state would appoint “foster assemblymen” to look after the four seats, including the welfare of their constituents.