Defectors often cause more difficulty than disinterested disbelievers.
– Neal A. Maxwell, American scholar
Is the clock ticking on the antics of elected political frogs?
The government has been talking about introducing an anti-party hopping bill in Parliament for some years.
This would mean that if an elected representative wishes to leave a party or are removed from a political party, they would not be able to continue as an elected representative.
This might seem to be a severe measure. However, the constant party hopping by some elected representatives over the last few years has caused significant uncertainties and instability in our nation.
While a minority of these political frogs might have some genuine grievances, the majority are switching parties for their own self-gain and interest. Gone is their obligation to serve in the interest of the rakyat.
I see no harm in anyone wishing to change their political affiliation by resigning from one political party to join another if they feel there is a need to do so.
I would not condemn a person who wants to resign from one political party to join another. This form of freedom of association is legally protected, and I think it is moral if there is a genuine grievance.
However, I am sure you would agree that if an elected representative switches parties, they should give up their seat. They can try to win it back under a fresh electoral mandate.
I would also recommend that persons appointed to any local government authority or to a position in any organisation due to their political affiliation should also resign or be removed if they change their political affiliation.
Firstly, the main benefits of anti-defection laws would be to curb political corruption in the form of elected representatives being bought over by another party.
Secondly, anti-defection laws would also strengthen our democracy by bringing stability to politics. It would also ensure that the legislative programmes of the government of the day are not put at risk by defecting parliamentarians.
Thirdly, these laws would make members of parliaments more responsible and loyal to the parties with whom they aligned themselves at their election. Many would agree that party allegiance plays a vital role in a candidate’s election success.
However, the main benefit is that it prevents elected representatives from betraying the voters’ mandate.
The public has high expectations of anti-hopping laws to be introduced soon. I would prefer to call it anti-defection laws. The word defection better captures the essence of betraying the mandate given by the voters and a political party.
It is timely that Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar has announced that efforts are now at an advanced stage to introduce such anti-defection laws.
There were expectations that this would have been done earlier in the latest parliamentary sitting in March. I am sure the delay is causing some disappointment among the public.
However, considering the complex nature of some individuals and political parties’ vested interests, it is not an easy task for this hard-working and dedicated minister.
Despite these challenges, I am sure he has the skill and fortitude to navigate and steer such a piece of legislation through this political minefield.
Ultimately, I would prefer that this is a properly thought out effective piece of legislation rather than one full of loopholes rendering it ineffective.
Perhaps the bill should also state that a member who changes party allegiance should also be prevented from contesting elections for a specified time.
Even once all the necessary amendments to the constitution have been made and the necessary anti-defection laws have been passed, there is still the issue of the date from which it will be applied.
I would hazard a guess that some Malayan politicians might only want the laws to be implemented after GE15. This would allow them the flexibility to have one last fling with ‘frogging’ to allow them the opportunity to form a government if there is no outright majority.
Do you remember the delay in implementing Undi18 and Automatic Voter Registration? There were many excuses given to delay its implementation. It was only after a High Court decision that it was finally implemented.
On the home front, it is reassuring that GPS Members of Parliament under the leadership of our Premier Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg will support the anti-party hopping bill when it is tabled in Parliament.
Let’s hope the time is up for the political frogs.
I am sure you would agree the speedy introduction of this anti-defection law will further enhance the stability of Sarawak and its economic and social environment.
The views expressed here are those of the columnist and do not necessarily represent the views of New Sarawak Tribune.
