Malaysia

Let Sabah start anti-hopping law, says DAP rep as Putrajaya drags feet

Datuk Frankie Poon stresses need for state to achieve political stability

Updated 5 years ago · Published on 27 Feb 2021 5:50PM

Let Sabah start anti-hopping law, says DAP rep as Putrajaya drags feet — Sabah DAP acting chairman Datuk Frankie Poon says an elected representative who switches political parties while still holding his or her position is akin to betraying voters. – Facebook pic, February 27, 2021

by Rebecca Chong

SANDAKAN – Sabah DAP acting chairman Datuk Frankie Poon has appealed to the federal and state governments to introduce an anti-hopping law to ensure political stability in the state and give confidence to foreign investors.

“It is simple. (If) anyone wants to jump (parties), sorry, your seat will be vacated,” he said of the proposed law, which will require re-election to be held in the constituency of the party-hopper.

Poon said an elected representative who switches political parties while still holding his or her position is akin to betraying voters.

The Tg Papat assemblyman said this at a press conference here today after Warisan’s Sebatik rep Hassan A. Gani Pg Amir quit the party and pledged support to the ruling Gabungan Rakyat Sabah two days ago.

“Even if it (introducing an anti-hopping law) could not be done at the federal level, maybe Sabah can start first.

“It is time for the government to act, as a lot of people are financially struggling now. We need investments to start flowing in again, and boost investors’ confidence through political stability.

“Stop thinking about buying assemblymen and MPs, this is not what the people want right now.”

Tg Papat assemblyman Datuk Frankie Poon (second from right), along with several other Sabah opposition representatives, has pledged his undivided support for Warisan president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal as state opposition chief. – The Vibes file pic, February 27, 2021

At the press conference, Warisan Plus’ elected representatives pledged their loyalty to Warisan president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal, who is state opposition chief.

Present were Warisan assemblymen George Hiew (Karamunting), Alias Sani (Sekong) and Arunarnsin Taib (Gum-Gum), as well as DAP rep Calvin Chong (Elopura) and Sandakan MP Vivian Wong.

The reps said they will not leave the pact, adding that they will try their best to get through tough times as the opposition and continue serving the people.

Hiew said an elected representative from the opposition should not give up, but instead work harder to serve the people despite not having additional allocation.

“We know that being in the opposition means that we don’t have (additional) allocation, and we only have our salary.

“But I think right now the people do not care if we are the government or the opposition, some of them cannot even afford to buy food.

“What we need to do right now is to stay united and help the people in need, which is also why we are staying loyal to Shafie, because whatever he does, he puts the people first.” – The Vibes, February 27, 2021