KUCHING: Enacting an anti-hopping law is crucial is putting an end to party-hopping and will consequently provide political stability in the country.
Political observer Datuk Peter Minos said it would stop members of parliament and members of state legislative assemblies (DUN) from “selling” themselves or playing hardball with the parties on whose tickets they won.
“Party hopping is simply no good to politics, political stability, the nation, the voters and the people.
“The people are definitely fed up with hoppers because they are big disappointments and a disgrace. Hoppers make politics very cheap, this is not tolerable,” he said when contacted on Wednesday.
Minos noted that only parliament can put a stop to party hopping by amending relevant provisions.
He was confident Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) would give their support as they hold on to the principle of honest politics.
“GPS will surely want the anti-hopping law because they are fed up with party hoppers bringing political problems to Malaysia especially in the Peninsular and Sabah,” he added.
Experts and politicians alike have been urging lawmakers to be on the same page to amend the Constitution to stop party hopping.
Barisan Nasional youth chairman and Umno youth chief Datuk Seri Dr Asyraf Wajid Dusuki pointed out that such amendments were needed particularly with the current political instability magnified by the Covid-19 pandemic.