KUALA LUMPUR: Sufficient legal provisions are in place to stop elected representatives from leaving their parties, says Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.
The Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) said the government is, however, open to any further suggestions on the matter.
"This is if there is a need to review or improve existing legal provisions in the future.
"Political stability is not just a matter of administrative continuity but a condition towards improving investor confidence, continuity in national policies and ensuring the rakyat’s wellbeing," she said in a parliamentary written reply on Friday (Feb 13).
Muhammad Fawwaz Mohamad Jan (PN-Permatang Pauh) had asked about steps taken to curb elected representatives from leaving their parties, noting how existing anti-hopping laws have been unable to stop this.
Malaysia’s anti-party hopping law was passed by Parliament on July 28, 2022, following bipartisan support aimed at keeping political defections in check.
The legislation involved amendments to the Federal Constitution, specifically introducing provisions to disqualify MPs who switch parties after being elected.
However, the law again entered the spotlight following the defection of six former Bersatu MPs who turned independent, while retaining their seats.
