He said it also proved that the change to the party’s constitution was orderly and fulfilled the demands of the law.

“The Kelantan assembly speaker’s decision is in line with state enactments which state that the unexpected vacancy of a seat occurs when an elected representative ceases to be a member of a party.

“This provision is in line with the anti-hopping law under the Federal Constitution,” he said in a statement.

Muhyiddin, who is also Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman, said Bersatu and its PN allies were prepared to face the by-election for the Nenggiri seat once the Election Commission fixes a date for the poll.

“God willing, with the people’s support, we will attain victory,” he said.

Kelantan state assembly speaker Amar Abdullah declared the unexpected vacancy of the state seat after being notified by Bersatu that Azizi had ceased to be a member of the party.

Azizi, who is also the Gua Musang MP, is among six Bersatu MPs who pledged support for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and the unity government. The others are Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal (Bukit Gantang), Dr Zulkafperi Hanapi (Tanjong Karang), Zahari Kechik (Jeli), Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid (Kuala Kangsar) and Suhaili Abdul Rahman (Labuan).

Selat Klang assemblyman Abdul Rashid Asari had also declared support for the Selangor unity government led by menteri besar Amirudin Shari.

Azizi said he was not surprised by Amar’s decision and that he planned to take the Kelantan speaker’s decision to court.