Heng: Enact anti-hopping laws before GE15

PETALING JAYA: Wanita MCA has called for an anti-hopping law to be enacted before the next general election, saying that such acts have resulted in political instability and undermined the people’s confidence.

Its chief Datuk Heng Seai Kie, in making the call, cited news reports that since GE14,60 MPs or 27.5% have switched sides.

“The alternative to enacting the law is untenable and will result in more problems, ” she said during the opening of Wanita MCA’s 45th annual general meeting.

The wing also hopes that Parliament will reconvene and elections be held only after the Covid-19 pandemic is under control.

In tandem with that, Heng urged politicians from both sides to set aside their differences and overcome the health threat and difficult times together.

“The political instability in the country has undermined people’s confidence after the Pakatan Harapan government fell and Perikatan Nasional took over.

“The biggest culprit? Political frogs. Taking into consideration public safety and national interest, Wanita MCA urges both sides of the political divide to set aside their differences for the people.

“Parliament should convene and any elections may only be held after the pandemic is brought under control, ” she said.

“Otherwise, it would be like Sabah election all over again.”

Heng also called on women entrepreneurs to “improvise and adapt” to turn any crisis into opportunity in view of the pandemic.

“Although many sectors have regressed during this period, online businesses and logistics have boomed and digitalising and transforming businesses is what will ensure survival and success.

“I call upon my sisters to seize the opportunities in the form of stimulus packages and resources from Penjana and Permai to transform your enterprises, ” she said, adding that participation in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) will open up access to a market of 2.2 billion people.

To assist local female entrepreneurs, Heng said Wanita MCA would partner with the Malaysia Chinese Women Entrepreneurs Association to offer “DIY Online Marketing” training next month.

On online learning, Heng said the government should emulate other countries that have been successful in implementing online learning through well-coordinated teaching systems and technology utilisation.

“The government should address the lack of facilities in rural areas so that rural students may also have access to online learning, ” she said.

Party secretary-general Datuk Chong Sin Woon, who opened the AGM, said he hoped to see one of the women in MCA creating history.

“I look forward to having the first female party president one day.

“It will certainly be our pride and a milestone in gender equality in Malaysia, ” he said in his speech.

Chong said the old mindset of women being only good wives and mothers should change.

“Women are capable of taking good care of their families while shouldering important roles in nation-building, ” he said.

Wanita MCA, he noted, has created many firsts for the party.

“For example, Datin Paduka Chow Poh Kheng was the first female MP while Tan Sri Dr Ng Yen Yen was the first female minister from MCA.

“The Wanita wing has contributed tremendously with excellent achievements in education, defending women’s rights, culture, social welfare and society, ” he said.

In the last general election, Chong said MCA contested 39 parliamentary seats and 90 state seats and only six and 11 of them, respectively, featured women candidates.

“There is room for improvement. Without the women’s voices, we will not effectively respond to some social issues, especially those related to family and education, school education, children’s affairs and helping the poor, ” he said.

Chong also urged Wanita MCA members to actively be involved in party activities, speak up on current affairs and participate in general elections towards building a better nation.

“MCA is an open and inclusive party. I call on women members to put forward their thoughts, especially on social development, local council elections and environmental and wildlife protection, ” he said.