Anti-hopping law could be in force by Sept 2, says Wan Junaidi

PETALING JAYA: The Anti-hopping amendment Bill which is to be presented in Parliament on July 18 could become law by early September, says Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar.

The Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Parliament and Law) said the draft has been finalised and the Bill would go through the various stages of the enactment process.

It is expected to get the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's assent by Aug 26 before it is gazetted between Aug 29 and Sept 2, he added.

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Wan Junaidi said in a statement on Wednesday (July 13) debates on the amendment will take place on July 27 and 28 after it is tabled on Monday (July 18).

"Several ministers have raised questions through the Cabinet meeting on June 1 and the Parliament Select Committee (PSC) on the Anti-Hopping Law has answered those questions at the July 13 Cabinet meeting," he added.

He said the Bill and a report from the PSC will be laid on MPs' tables on Monday for their reference.

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"The meeting also agreed on the (timeline) for the tabling of the amendment in both the Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara and the debate on July 27 and 28 in Parliament, at the discretion of the Speaker.

"Engagement by the Legal Affairs Division of the Prime Minister's Department and the Attorney General's Chambers with government MPs will be on July 25 and Opposition MPs, on July 26," he added.

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Wan Junaidi said engagement with Dewan Negara members will be on Aug 8, with the first reading on Aug 9 and second reading on Aug 10.

"After receiving approval from both Houses, the amendment will be presented to the King under Article 66 of the Federal Constitution between Aug 11 and 26 for assent; and gazetted between Aug 29 and Sept 2," he added.