Perak passes amendments to curb party hopping

IPOH: The Perak Legislative Assembly has approved the amendment to the state constitution to enable the anti-party hopping law to be enforced.

Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad tabled the motion for the proposed amendment and it was unanimously supported by assemblymen at the state assembly sitting on Thursday (Dec 29).

In winding-up the debate on the Bill, Saarani said the purpose of the amendment was to ensure that the anti-hopping law aligned with what was practised at Federal level.

“Since the 14th General Election, the appointment of a Mentri Besar has been held three times, something that has never happened in the state's history.

“This is not (something) to be proud of, as it will be recorded in history as a reflection of failure rather than success.

“If a comparison is made with neighbouring countries in the South-East Asian region, Malaysia can be considered (to have) problems of parliamentarians jumping parties,” he said.

Saarani said based on the arguments raised during the debate session, there was no doubt that each representative who spoke clearly believed that economic and social stability could only be achieved through political stability.

“Realising that political stability was often threatened by party-hopping, especially post-GE14, all representatives need to have the political determination to restore the democratic system while gaining the trust of the people,” he added.

Saarani said the unanimous vote not only marked a new chapter of history for the state but another step towards comprehensive institutional reform that will strengthen the country's democracy.

The amendment was carried out in accordance with the Constitution (Amendment) Act (No. 3) 2022 and the Provision for the Prohibition of MPs from Party-Hopping that came into effect on Oct 5.

The Act obtained the consent of Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah on Aug 31 and was gazetted as Act A1663 on Sept 6.