Anti-party hopping law almost there

KOTA KINABALU: Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) is practically counting the days before the anti-party hopping law makes a comeback in Sabah.

When it helmed the state government back in 1988, an anti-hopping law was passed by the state assembly.

However, the law was later declared ultra vires the Federal Constitution and rendered null and void. Last July, the Constitution was amended to enable such a law.

“PBS is delighted that the anti-hopping law is finally being reinstated in Sabah after 35 years since PBS first introduced it,” party information chief Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said yesterday.

He said it vindicated PBS’ sincere desire to put a stop to party hopping.

Bangkuai was reacting to reports quoting Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew as saying that a Bill to bar party hopping would be tabled at next week’s state assembly sitting.

He said PBS was resolute in its support of the Bill and called on all state lawmakers, including those in the Opposition, to back it.

Bangkuai, who is the Kiulu assemblyman, said such a law would be the foundation for effective governance and sustainable progress, adding that it would also serve as a crucial mechanism in enhancing accountability and trust among elected representatives.

He said strengthening democratic values and ensuring the people’s voice remained at the forefront of political decision-making had always been the party’s stance since 1985.

“In line with PBS’ consistent call on the need to reinstate the anti-hopping law, all seven of our assemblymen will vote for the Bill to be passed.

“The party recognises that the anti-hopping law will promote transparency and fairness in the political arena as party defections have often led to the collapse of governments, resulting in wastage of public resources and instability in the administration,” he added.

Earlier, there was uncertainty concerning the tabling of the Bill after State Speaker Datuk Kadzim Yahya said the matter was not on the state assembly agenda.