Azalina submits motion to introduce Recall Election Bill

PETALING JAYA: Former deputy speaker Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said (pic) has submitted a notice of motion to Dewan Rakyat Speaker Datuk Azhar Azizan Harun to table a Recall Bill in the coming September Parliament session, where MPs will be held accountable for party-hopping.

The Pengerang MP said the notice sent to Azhar is a Private Members Bill based on Standing Orders 49(1).

She proposed for the Bill to be called the “Dismissal of Members of Parliament Bill 2021”.

“This motion is in line with the ‘anti-party hopping’ initiative that the government is currently working on, and it will indirectly create a sense of togetherness with the government in the spirit of ‘Keluarga Malaysia’, that also covers cooperation across parties,” said Azalina.

She added that the motion was submitted on Wednesday (Sept 1).

Azalina added that she hopes the Bill will be the starting point to introduce a recall election mechanism where elected representatives can be sacked as a way to deter party-hopping.

“This Bill will also provide a check-and-balance from the people to the elected representatives,” she said, adding that she hopes the Bill will be agreed to by Azhar and therefore tabled and debated in Parliament.

She also hopes the newly appointed de facto law minister would fast-track the proposed Bill.

“I will write to every MP to explain the importance and benefits of this Bill in ensuring a just, fairer electoral system for the people,” said Azalina.

“May the agenda to reform Parliament to create political stability and a transparent administration ensure the welfare of Malaysians and the future of the nation,” she added.

Previously, Azalina had said on Wednesday that she will submit a notice of motion to Azhar to table a Bill where MPs can be held accountable for party-hopping.

The upcoming Parliament session will begin on Sept 13, and it will take place for 17 days until Oct 12.