Takiyuddin: Govt to study anti-hopping law as freedom of association guaranteed in Constitution

KUALA LUMPUR: The government needs to study the need for an anti-hopping law as freedom of association for every citizen is still guaranteed under the Federal Constitution, says Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Takiyuddin Hassan (pic).

In a parliamentary written reply, he said that every citizen's freedom of association is still protected and in line with Article 10(1)(C) of the Constitution.

He noted that on the freedom of association, such matters were heard and decided by the Federal Court in the case of the Kelantan State Assembly & Anor v Nordin Salleh & Anor in 1992.

"However, if the government feels there is a need to formulate an anti-hopping law in the future, we will study the matter thoroughly, including comparing it with the best practices of other countries," Takiyuddin said.

Ramkarpal Singh (PH-Bukit Gelugor) had asked the government if it had any intention to amend the Constitution in order to formulate an anti-hopping law so that lawmakers could not defect from their parties, as this could lead to political instability.

Takiyuddin also noted that a study is needed since the anti-hopping law is against Article 10(1)(C) of the Constitution that allows freedom of association, which could be restricted when it comes to security, public order and principles of morals.

"The government will consult with various quarters, including NGOs and political parties, if it intends to formulate an anti-hopping law," Takiyuddin said.

Under the previous Pakatan Harapan government, former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said any decision by MPs to switch parties was entirely up to the individual – but it must be for a good reason.

The Prime Minister said party-hopping is acceptable if they believe they are not able to contribute to the government or their current party.

"If you present yourself as a member of a party and because of that perhaps you win and then you jump, that is not being faithful to your promises.

"But, on the other hand, when faced with a government that is really bad and you can't hop and have to still stay with the government, I think that's not going to contribute to good governance.

"I think you should be able to hop and change parties," he was quoted as saying.