By Brad Rantayy
MIRI, July 30: The passing of the anti-hopping bill as contained in the Constitutional (Amendment ) Bill 2022 is certainly a big win for democracy, says Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) secretary-general Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew.
“SUPP is pleased and welcomes the passing of anti-hopping law on the July 28, 2022 which involved amending the Federal Constitution to include anti-hopping provisions,” he said.
The majority of Malaysians are of the opinion that this law is long overdue, he added.
“We feel and think that it is important and certainly necessary to strengthen our country’s political stability by putting a stop on irresponsible elected representatives switching their allegiances to suit their own personal interest, that in so doing tarnishes the sanctity of people’s vote and choice at the election,” Ting said.
The people’s trust and confidence in voting their candidates at the elections, be it Parliamentary or State elections, will now be better safeguarded and not lightly be betrayed, he said.t.
Under this anti-hopping law, there are some exemptions for MPs not losing their seats such as when their political parties have been de-registered, being appointed as Speakers of the House, being sacked from their political parties or voting against their party’s wishes.
“The exemptions are both necessary, practical and being pragmatic as they allow MPs some leeway to vote what they believe is right for the community they represent and for the country. They are not being ‘forced’ by law to blindly follow their parties’ wishes without their own thoughts or question,” he said. — DayakDaily
