KUALA LUMPUR – Umno MPs who were purportedly involved in the Langkah Dubai plot will pay a heavy price due to recent changes made in the party’s constitution, according to Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Puad Zarkashi.
In a statement via Facebook today, Puad claimed several Umno MPs were linked with Langkah Dubai as the party continues to be beleaguered by “political scammers”.
“But if Umno MPs were truly involved, their efforts are in vain. (Umno secretary-general) Datuk Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki reminded that the party constitution has been amended on January 13, 2023.
“Clause 20.11 of the Umno’s constitution states that the membership of an Umno MP will be dropped automatically if they chose to join a political alliance that is not part of Umno,” he said.
Puad also pointed out that the Anti-Hopping Law is also applicable to such MPs.
“The seat that was won will be declared vacant and a by-election will be held. They (Umno MPs) are bound by statutory declarations (SD) which require a payment of RM100 million (should they breach the SD),” he said.
Reflecting on the move by 10 BN MPs to sign a separate SD following the 15th General Election (GE15) to support Perikatan Nasional (PN), Puad added that the steps taken by Umno since then are necessary to ensure heavy punishment for saboteurs within the party.
Earlier, Asyraf issued a reminder to the party’s MPs that they are bound by its constitution that punishes those who join any political plot to change the prime minister.
His reminder comes amid speculation about the reported Langkah Dubai plot to topple the unity government, which Umno is part of, by enticing government MPs to switch sides.
Talk of Langkah Dubai had circulated on social media last month, and although it did not materialise, it is now the subject of a police investigation after a total of 145 police reports were lodged over the matter. – January 14, 2024