KUCHING: The country’s endless political crises will be a thing of the past with the tabling of the anti-party hopping law said a political analyst.
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) Center for Media and Communication Studies’ Dr Ammar Redza Ahmad Rizal said this would ensure political stability as elected representatives would not hop between parties.
“The people want elected representatives who focus on aspects of development, the economy, and the benefit of the people’s well-being, thus enabling the political process to return smoothly and stable” he told New Sarawak Tribune.
He was commenting on the tabling of the Constitution (Amendment) Bill (No. 3) 2022 and the Provision for the Prohibition of Members of Parliament (MPs) from Party-Hopping in Dewan Rakyat.
Dr Ammar said instances like Sheraton-move where elected representatives trigger a change in government by leaving their party en masse would not be repeated.
This was due to party leavers being required to vacate their seats according to the Bill that was tabled.
At the same time, he also hoped in the second reading of the Bill, a recall election clause would be inserted.
Recall election is where an elected representative can be removed from office mid-term by voters.
Dr Ammar said through this clause, that even if the people’s representatives change parties, the power to decide is with the people.
“When there is a recall election, the people can choose their candidate, maybe the same candidate (incumbent) or a candidate from a different party. In this situation, the people can vote.
“For me, if they (elected representatives) leave the party, for political reasons, one will lose their seat and it is very likely that they will not be elected again,” he said.
