KOTA KINABALU – Two more Sabah leaders today called for the state to adopt the anti-party hopping law.
PBS president Datuk Seri Maximus Ongkili and Sabah Pakatan Harapan chairman Datuk Christina Liew also expressed the need for the state to include the new law in the next state assembly sitting scheduled in March.
The two leaders noted their readiness to support the law if it is tabled in the state sitting.
“The chief minister has already put it in the next agenda,” said Ongkili when met during the PBS Chinese New Year walkabout at Gaya Street here this morning.
Liew, who was also at the fair for her party’s Chinese New Year walkabout, noted the coalition’s preparedness to support the law.
“Whatever the leaders’ decision, I am sure Hajiji knows what to do. So, if they (the government) initiate it, we will support,” said Liew.
Sabah PH and PBS both have seven assemblymen each.
Last night, Upko leader Datuk Ewon Benedick proposed for the law to be adopted by the state, calling for it to be tabled in the state assembly sitting this March.
Warisan Supreme Council member Assafal Alian also called for the same following the political turmoil in the state earlier this week.
An alleged takeover of the state government failed on January 5, with Warisan and Sabah Barisan Nasional (BN) behind the said coup.
BN chairman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin rubbished talk of it being a takeover, but claimed the whole episode was over the legitimacy of the chief minister.
Warisan president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal also noted that Hajiji lost his legitimacy after leaving his former party Bersatu to become a direct member of Gabungan Rakyat Sabah last December 10.
The whole episode raised the importance for the state to adopt the anti-party hopping law to curb political horse trading.
However, it was Hajiji himself who decided to delay the adoption of the anti-party hopping law during the state budget sitting in November last year. – The Vibes, January 15, 2023
