KOTA TINGGI: The government should introduce a recall petition in line with the legal amendments to the anti-party hopping law, says Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.
The Umno deputy president said the move is currently practised in the United Kingdom, where an MP can lose their seat after voters in the relevant constituency sign a petition to remove them for switching parties.
“I personally view that it is better to do so (amend the anti-party hopping law), or we could also introduce a recall process as currently practised in the United Kingdom.
“Under the recall process, any MP who defects from their party can be removed if more than 50% of their voters support a petition for their removal.
“This will then trigger a by-election in the relevant constituency,” he said when met by reporters after officiating the Tenggara Umno division meeting at Dewan Felda Sungai Sayong on Saturday (July 13).
Mohamad made these comments in response to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s statement on making legal amendments to plug any loopholes in the anti-party hopping law.
He added that the anti-party hopping law was first proposed by Umno after some of its MPs decided to switch parties following the 14th General Election in 2018.
“We proposed very strict laws under the reformation and law cluster to ensure our country no longer faces threats from MPs who prioritise their personal agenda over serving the people.
“But this proposal was rejected by those who were once forming the government back then.
“They did not agree that any MP who crosses the floor or supports the opposing party should lose their seat and be expelled from their political party,” he added.
Earlier, Anwar was reported saying that the government is open to discussions on making legal amendments to the anti-party hopping law.
He said Pakatan Harapan proposed such amendments in 2022, but its suggestion was rejected by the government at the time.
