KUALA LUMPUR – Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Parliament and Law) Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar today clarified to the Senate the three main criteria, as contained in the administrative draft of the Constitution (Amendment) Bill, that define party-hopping by an MP.
He said the first criteria is when an MP announces leaving the political party they contested for in an election to be an independent member or to join another political party.
“The second is when an MP is expelled from their political party. This is for the purpose of ensuring that MPs abide by the constitution, as well as the party rules and regulations.
“The party that sacked the MP concerned will face the risk of losing the seat and an election will have to be held again," he said in response to a question from Senator Datuk John Ambrose.
Ambrose had enquired about plans made and actions taken for the implementation of the anti-hopping law.
Wan Junaidi said the law would also be applicable to independent MPs who announced joining any political party after their victory. – Bernama, March 30, 2022