Debates held, voting put off

KUALA LUMPUR: The proposed amendments to the Federal Constitution to pave the way for anti-hopping laws took a twist when the Dewan Rakyat delayed voting on the matter although debates had been held.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar informed the House that the proposed amendments to Constitution (Amendment) (No.3) Bill 2022 would be referred to a special select committee for further scrutiny.

He added that the special select committee would refine the interpretation regarding the prohibition of lawmakers to change parties related to Clause 2(c) and Clause 3, to enable restrictions on the right to form associations.

It would also study proposals to abolish Article 48(6) of the Constitution and other constitutional amendments, added the minister.

The special select committee would also prepare a draft of a Bill specifically to stop party hopping within a period of one month.

“The special select committee can extend the period if need be,” he said in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday.

This followed a marathon debate session by 59 MPs who provided various views on the Constitution (Amendments) (No.3) Bill.

On hold for now: Ismail Sabri (right) speaking to Wan Junaidi at the Parliament Building in Kuala Lumpur. The anti-party hopping Bill is expected to be tabled in the coming Parliament session that begins from July 18 to Aug 4. — Bernama

The special select committee would be chaired by Wan Junaidi himself, and it would consist of 10 MPs.

Wan Junaidi added that the special select committee could invite legal and constitutional experts, NGOs and the civil society to attend the committee’s proceedings from time to time.

“The Parliament chief administrator must prepare financial expenses as well as other proceeding needs, such as a venue, equipment, refreshments and others,” said the Santubong MP.

During the debates, Wan Junaidi was asked whether there should be a recall vote remedy, to which he answered that would require an in-depth study, especially from the Election Commission.

“The proposal will be considered and reviewed by the special select committee,” he added.

On whether a merger of political parties and the deregistration of political parties would be considered party hopping, Wan Junaidi said, originally the two matters were excluded.

“However, this matter will also be scrutinised by the special select committee,” he said.

Initially, a constitutional amendment involving Article 10(1) was slated to be voted and passed in the House yesterday.

However, Wan Junaidi said the constitutional amendment involving Article 10 would not be voted on in the House.

He said the decision to defer voting on the constitutional amendment was made following a meeting chaired between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob and Pakatan Harapan’s top leadership yesterday morning, which also agreed on the setting up of a special select committee.

The anti-party hopping Bill is expected to be tabled in the coming Parliament session from July 18 to Aug 4.