KOTA KINABALU: The political scenario in Sabah is far from stable, as state assemblymen are still jumping from one party to another, says Putatan Umno.
Its division chief Jeffrey Nor Mohammad said to ensure political stability in Sabah, the state has to pass the Anti-Hopping Bill as soon as possible in the state legislative assembly.
“Just in Putatan alone, we have seen one assemblyman from Parti Warisan leave to support the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) government,” he said in a statement, adding that such a situation could recur anytime.
He said several states in the country will be holding their state elections soon, and although Sabah only had its polls in 2020, many things can happen if the Anti-Hopping Bill is not passed.
“The state promised to table this Bill in November last year, but it has yet to be done until now,” he added.
Jeffrey described the actions of some state representatives who chose power and positions over the people’s mandate as “disgusting”, saying the practice has to be stopped once and for all for stability in the government.
“Their excuse for leaving parties and doing it for the rakyat is outdated and lame. The people have already lost confidence in such leaders,” he said.
He called on GRS leader and Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor to stop stalling and table the Bill as soon as possible so that they can move in tandem with the Federal Government, which has already passed the Bill.
“We need this Bill to be tabled and passed so that there will not be any more assemblymen jumping from one party to another and continuing to betray the voters’ trust in them,” he said.
Jeffrey is the latest to join the growing calls to table and pass the Bill. Other Sabah leaders who have made similar calls include Parti Warisan president Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal, Sabah STAR president Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, Upko president Datuk Ewon Benedick, Parti Bersatu Sabah president Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili and DAP leader and state minister Phoong Jin Zhe.
