KUALA LUMPUR – Umno’s Pengerang MP Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said continued to moot an anti-hopping bill and political accountability bill ahead of this month’s Melaka polls.
In a meeting with Melaka Governor Tun Mohd Ali Mohd Rustam yesterday, she offered her services to draw up a similar enactment in the state, saying it is vital for candidates to respect their voters and uphold Malaysia’s democratic system.
Azalina said the “hybrid bill” can be a catalyst for political stability in Melaka as it stops elected representatives from party-hopping while giving the voting public its voice.
“To that, I humbly express my intention to propose an anti-hopping bill and political accountability bill be implemented at the Melaka state level with the consideration and consent of his excellency.
“Let us stop the practice of party-hopping.”
The anti-hopping law is among the proposals in the memorandum of understanding signed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob and opposition coalition Pakatan Harapan.
The Election Commission set November 20 as polling day for the Melaka election and November 8 for nomination, giving parties 12 days to campaign. Early voters can cast their ballots on November 16.
The Melaka governor dissolved the state assembly on October 4 after four assemblymen withdrew their support for then Chief Minister Datuk Seri Sulaiman Md Ali of Umno. – The Vibes, November 3, 2021