ALOR STAR – The Kedah assembly has passed a constitution amendment bill to prohibit party hopping today.
The Kedah State Constitutional (Amendment) Enactment 2023 was tabled by Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor and Speaker Datuk Juhari Bulat later opened debate on the bill in the assembly.
The assemblymen who took part in the debate were Datuk Zamri Yusuf (Suka Menanti-PKR), Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir (Jitra-Pejuang), Mohd Azam Abd Samat (Sg Limau-PAS), Datuk Norsabrina Mohd Noor (Bandar Baharu-Umno), and Datuk Amiruddin Hamzah (Anak Bukit-Pejuang).
In her debate, Norsabrina said loyalty is an important value to ensure stability in the state and therefore the anti-hopping enactment is required.
“When a party makes a decision to switch support from a coalition, we accept it. We will ensure the mandate of the people is not abused for our self-interest,” she said.
Meanwhile, Zamri – who is also Kedah opposition leader – said the constitutional amendment would give voters confidence in the country’s political system.
“The amendment has created history and has indirectly curbed corruption – which is the source of several issues affecting the confidence of voters,” he said.
The assembly later adjourned sine die. – Bernama, March 15, 2023
