In a statement, Bersih also said the situation in Parliament raised concerns about the effectiveness of the legislation in achieving its original goal of ensuring political stability.

“Article 49A(1) of the Federal Constitution outlines three reasons for an MP to cease holding office: switching parties, resigning from party membership, or no longer being a party member.

“At least four of the six former Bersatu MPs had their membership revoked for failing to comply with Bersatu’s Supreme Council directive not to support Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim,” Bersih said, referring to Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal (Bukit Gantang), Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid (Kuala Kangsar), Suhaili Abdul Rahman (Labuan) and Dr Zulkafperi Hanapi (Tanjong Karang).

The remaining MPs at the centre of the dispute are Azizi Abu Naim (Gua Musang) and Zahari Kechik (Jeli).

“Bersatu amended its constitution to stipulate that any member who is an elected representative and does not follow the Supreme Council’s directives will immediately lose his or her membership,” the NGO said, adding that an infographic from the legal affairs division in the Prime Minister’s Office clearly laid out the implications of not adhering to party decisions.

“The infographic slide provides an example where non-compliance with party decisions, according to the party’s constitution, means those members are considered to have switched parties and must vacate their seats.”

Bersih also said Bersatu’s constitutional amendment aligned with that of DAP, Amanah, and Umno, and that the speaker had missed an opportunity to enforce the anti-party hopping legislation at the first time of asking.

“The decision will once again create legal loopholes and erode public confidence in the sanctity of the constitution and the rule of law, principles that underpin the Rukun Negara,” Bersih said.