KUALA LUMPUR – The tabling of the proposed anti-hopping bill by the end of this month will be one to watch, as the support of the majority MPs depends on its contents, said Ampang MP Datuk Zuraida Kamaruddin.
Speaking exclusively to The Vibes recently, Zuraida said she is looking forward to the debate session at the Dewan Rakyat on the matter.
“I am supportive of the basic element contained in the proposal brought by the opposition for the anti-hopping law, which is for the elected representative to resign from their position and perhaps contest the seat during the by-election.
“If the elected person who has decided to switch parties or political allegiances has done their duties and has served the rakyat diligently, then one would not need to worry about getting re-elected,” she said.
However, the plantations industries and commodities minister expressed her reservations over certain possible elements to be included in the proposed bill.
“My concern is that it may infringe upon the ‘right of association’ afforded to citizens in the country.
“When entering politics, one tends to join a party that is in line with their ideals and struggles, and work together to achieve the common goal, which is to serve the people.
“What happens when party leaders are no longer in line with your struggle?
If the leaders are not right, should the elected party members suffer the full consequences?
“The decision to leave any party is not an easy decision, but those involved also have their own principles.
“How about those who won as independents in the elections? If they join a party or align themselves with a political coalition, would it be considered ‘party hopping’?”
As such, Zuraida opined that briefings and debates on the bill are important to ascertain the true intention of the proposed reforms.
“The opposition is very vocal about this issue, but how far this (bill) affects the elected representatives will only be known by the end of this month.
“I am looking forward to the briefings and debates. I hope all sides will take these concerns into consideration and fine tune these issues before it comes up for voting,” she added.
In a veiled swipe against the opposition, Zuraida said the bloc’s concern in championing the bill was to prevent more defections from their parties.
“In that sense, I feel that their intention is more impulsive because they are not addressing the issue of whether the party leaders are on the right track.
If not addressed in the right manner, the anti-hopping law could be misused by party leaders to control and dictate members (and force them to adhere) to their whims and fancies,” she added.
Her comments came as the government is slated to table an anti-hopping bill during the Dewan Rakyat sittings on February 28.
According to Malaysiakini, quoting sources, Law Minister Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar has invited MPs for a briefing regarding the bill on February 9 at the Dewan Rakyat.
Last September, the cabinet agreed to limit the term of the prime minister to 10 years, introduce an anti-hopping law and give greater recognition to the opposition, among a slew of reforms it vows to implement.
In a statement, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob had said the “parliamentary and government transformation” is aimed at ensuring political stability as part of the government’s efforts to address the Covid-19 crisis and restore the ailing economy. – The Vibes, February 5, 2022
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