SIBU,Aug 17: Senator Robert Lau Hui Yew is one of those who are dead set against political “frogs”.
Referring to the online petition “Amend Malaysia’s Constitution to have Anti-Hopping Law before GE15” started by KF Ng on change.org, Lau said he too has signed the petition.
“The whole nation is sick of political ‘frogging’ (party hopping). And if the whole nation is sick of it, why shouldn’t we put an end to it?” said Lau in a statement today.
Conceding it was the right for anyone to associate with whomever or whichever party they desire, Lau said the point in having an anti-hopping law wasn’t about denying anyone of their rights.
To him, it was in fact silly for anyone to argue that an anti-hopping law is for that effect and purpose of denying the rights of free association.
There was only one reason for such a law to be introduced, and that is to uproot and kill off the undesirable political culture of “frogging” from taking deep roots in Malaysia, Lau stressed.
“As I have mentioned earlier this week, politicians can switch support but they must be willing to be tested when they do so. Resign the seat and seek re-election.”
Saying that if the politician could win the seat again, then it could be due to the fact that the politician’s actions were able to withstand public scrutiny and the constituents in the area supported such actions.
“I have very clearly stated that an anti-hopping law will be an improvement to our current political landscape and a deterrent to the publicly despised culture of ‘frogging’ for personal gain,” said Lau.
Calling on those from both sides of the political divide to put selfish reasons aside, Lau hopes everyone will move courageously forward in enacting such a law, for the good of the nation. — DayakDaily
