No loopholes in anti-party hopping law, says Azalina

MINISTER in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said has refuted opposition claims of loopholes in the anti-party hopping law, asserting that such matters should have been dealt with before it was passed in parliament when they (opposition) were in power. 

 "There are no loopholes in the anti-party hopping law. It was enacted during the previous government's term. 

 “They are now in the opposition, so what kind of loopholes are they talking about? Why didn’t they deal with the loopholes before enacting the law? 

 “Is it the responsibility of the present government to cover their past mistakes?" questioned Azalina in Penampang.

 Azalina said that the law aims to curb MPs' party-switching and safeguard the seats won by parties which were based on voters' choices in elections. 

Responding to the opposition’s claims, she said, "It is for the people; it is not for the MPs to change seats."

Azalina also downplayed the need to revisit the anti-party hopping law, highlighting the government's focus on implementing changes for the benefit of the people. 

 "Talking about the anti-party hopping law is essentially discussing power. Malaysians are tired of power struggles. People want stability, so the government can address real issues like economic development. This is the main focus of the present Madani government," she said.

On a separate note, Azalina unveiled the Justice on Wheels Programme under the Legal Aid Bureau, aiming to provide legal advice, aid, and awareness to rural communities, especially those facing travel challenges.

The nationwide launch begins in Sabah, followed by Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia, extending the mobile court services introduced in Sabah. 

 "The Justice on Wheels Programme will reach Pitas next month, Telupid in May, Paitan in June, Sukau in September, and subsequently in Tungku in October." 

“The mobile legal aid services, accompanying the mobile court, are designed to expedite processes such as late birth registrations,” she said. 

 Azalina said the programme's purpose was to extend legal aid services to remote areas inaccessible by regular vehicles. - The Vibes, January 25, 2024