KUALA LUMPUR – Unlike the rest of his opposition compatriots, Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal (Semporna-Warisan) has called for the anti-hopping law to impose even more stringent punitive measures against lawmakers who defect.
“I would like to propose that any MPs who have been found clearly guilty by the anti-hopping law supervisory body, that they should not be allowed to contest in any seats, whether it is parliamentary or in the state assembly, for at least two terms,” said the Sabah legislator.
However, earlier this morning, the Pakatan Harapan opposition coalition agreed with the government for the select committee to make further amendments to the federal constitution including abolishing Article 48(6).
The article stipulates that a person who resigns from the lower House shall be disqualified from being an MP for a period of five years – which would impact lawmakers who are forced to vacate their seat for party hopping.
The article states: “A person who resigns his memberships of the House of Representatives shall, for a period of five years, beginning with the date on which his resignation takes effect, be disqualified from being a member of the House of Representatives.”
By removing this article, MPs who are removed from their seats, once the anti-hopping law comes into force, will still be eligible to contest in an election. – The Vibes, April 11, 2022
