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KUALA LUMPUR – The Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition has given its word that it will introduce similar anti-party hopping legislation in states it is governing, said PKR secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail (Kulim-Bandar Baharu-PH).
He said this can commence once Parliament has passed the necessary constitutional amendments and bills required to enforce an anti-hopping law.
“Once the amendments are made to the federal constitution and the bill passed in Dewan Rakyat, we will begin mobilising to introduce such laws through state legislative assemblies that are under Pakatan Harapan.
“This is because we are aware of the views and principles of many, who see party-hopping as a betrayal of the peoples’ mandate, and one that tarnishes the principles of democracy and brings about political instability as we have experienced over this term.”
He added that the definition of party-hopping was the main discussion point during a meeting he attended this morning with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, alongside other opposition leaders.
He said it was agreed that lawmakers who defected from one party to another are classified as party-hoppers; likewise, those who join a new party after they are fired for going against their party’s wishes.
“But there were more pertinent questions, which relate to lawmakers from a party that ended up getting dissolved or disbanded, (such as) are these lawmakers considered party-hoppers or do they become independent candidates?
“Another scenario is when an entire party defects from a coalition. Should this be considered as party-hopping as well? So, these things were raised during the meeting.”
Saifuddin also expressed his gratitude that the anti-hopping bill is finally becoming a reality, with the “roller-coaster” ride for the past few years coming to an end.
“We are happy that there will finally be some clarity. We are also appreciative of the government upholding its commitment to introduce an anti-party hopping law.” – The Vibes, April 11, 2022
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