KUCHING: DAP-Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong described the tabling of the Constitution of the State of Sarawak (Amendment) (No 2) Bill 2022 as the right move for Sarawak.
She said this is in line with the new provision of Article 16B on the change of a member’s political party which was inserted due to the amendment to Article 49A and Section 7A of the Eighth Schedule of the Federal Constitution.
She said it is part of the reform process leading to a robust democracy given that the amendment tabled in this sitting as parliament had passed the Anti-Hopping Law in July this year which took effect on Oct 5.
“The passing of the Anti-Hopping Law is a significant step in restoring the people’s confidence in Malaysia’s democracy and ensure that the people’s mandate will not be betrayed as it will help to curb the rampant and despicable act of ‘political frogs’ that have been plaguing our country, especially since the infamous Sheraton Move.
“As what is happening right now in the political scenario at the federal level after the 15th general election (GE15) whereby we have a hung parliament, should there be no Anti-Hopping Law passed in Parliament, there would be far worse than the Sheraton Move because any Members of Parliament (MPs) can jump ship at his or her whims and fancy. There will be no end and this will cause instability in the government,” she said during the debate session on the Bill in the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Sitting today (Nov 22).
With the passing of the present amendment and the insertion of Article 16B in the State Constitution, Yong said it will help to curb any elected representative changing his or her political alliance for self-interest.
“This is particularly so if the elected representative resigns as a member of the party or cease to be a member of the party or an independent elected representative later joins a political party,” she said.
However, Yong suggested that the amendment also include measures to prevent the whole block of a political party or alliance from jumping ship.
