KUCHING: State leaders are looking forward to the tabling and debate on the anti-hoping bill during the special parliamentary sitting on April 1.
On the proposed bill, Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) acting president Datuk Joseph Salang Gandum said that his party fully agreed to the proposal.
“We feel the interest of the voters has to be protected. If an elected representative hops from one position to the next, then the integrity of politicians is put into question,” he said.
He told New Sarawak Tribune when prompted for comments on De Facto Law Minister Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar who said that the bill will be tabled at a special parliamentary sitting recently.
To PRS Youth Chief Datuk Snowdan Lawan, the meeting on the bill would be a milestone for the country.
The impact is that, if the parliamentarians endorse the bill, it will result to a significant constitutional amendment.
“With this law enacted, an elected representative loses his seat after resigning from his party or has been expelled from his party,” he said.
Snowdan, who is also the Balai Ringin assemblyman, then described party hopping as unhealthy.
“Party hopping defeats the purpose of voting and it betrays the faith of voters.
“The law will stop lawmakers from switching allegiances during their term of office.
“This will be a reality check for those who lack loyalty and principles,” he said.
On her take on the matter, Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Women chief Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said that in any election one stands as a representative of a party unless one is an independent.
“When a candidate hops to another party after winning he betrays the people who voted for him or her.
“Integrity, credibility is all thrown out of the window! Party hopping can also cause instability and uncertainty.
“All this will lead to a negative effect on the wellbeing index and livelihood of the people,” she said.
