FORMER Barisan Nasional (BN) secretary-general Tan Sri Annuar Musa has warned that this unconventional form of support, known as ‘hopping without party hopping,’ could spell disaster for the government.
The PAS’ deputy election chief expressed concern on his Facebook account stating that supporting a leader while defying one’s party might lead to the collapse of the government.
He highlighted the risk associated with this practice, suggesting that it may become a trend among MPs, raising questions about the effectiveness of recently introduced anti-hopping laws.
“They have expressed their support to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim regardless of their party’s stance and without them leaving the party. This action is seen as ‘hopping” without resorting to ‘party hopping’,” he penned on his Facebook account.
Moreover, Annuar speculated that inducements such as allocations and projects might be used to sway MPs.
“This time, (it) may be (about) using allocations, projects and others as bait. But in my opinion, when the government itself becomes a catalyst and organiser for the acceptance of the doctrine of ‘hopping without party hopping’, it will affect the government itself,” he added.
The former Ketereh MP went on to question the potential scenario wherein a considerable number of MPs decide to withdraw their support from the incumbent prime minister and subsequently elected an 11th Malaysian prime minister without following their respective party’s stance.
“It is not impossible anymore for this to occur, right?”
Furthermore, recent reports indicate that two members of Gua Musang MP Mohd Azizi Abu Naim and Jeli MP Zahari Kechik have declared their support for Anwar and the unity government.
Citing the interests of their constituents, they join Kuala Kangsar MP Datuk Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid and Labuan MP Datuk Dr Suhaili Abdul Rahman as Bersatu members who have thrown their support behind Anwar and the Madani government. – Nov 10, 2023
