A closer look at anti-hopping legislation

Experts believe the anti-hopping law needs to be implemented as soon as possible before GE15 to prevent low voter turnout and protest vote. — ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star

MANY Malaysian voters have become tired of political instability brought about by elected representatives changing allegiance regularly. It is therefore no surprise that the call for legislation against party-hopping has been growing louder and taking tangible form.

Earlier this month, the Cabinet agreed to introduce a law against party-hopping, to be tabled next year while the Attorney General has been asked to draft the anti-hopping law. Former Dewan Rakyat deputy speaker Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said has also submitted her own Private Member’s Bill for a Recall Election to deter party hopping, while MCA is in the midst of drafting a comprehensive House Of Representatives Recall (HORR) Bill. It is clear that action needs to be taken against this undermining of democracy, and taken soon.