THE Malaysian Indian Voice (MIV) urged newly-minted Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob to embark on a series of reforms to bring the country forward.
As a start, the non-governmental organisation (NGO) urged him to enact an anti-hopping law, which would prevent lawmakers from crossing over parties, making a mockery of Malaysia’s democratic institution.
“Everyone wants to see a stable Government running for at least five years, until the next general election without any interruptions.
“It’s ridiculous that one or a group of errant lawmakers can threaten the functioning of a Government by hopping to another party at their whims and fancies,” its president Pappa Raidu Veraman told FocusM.
In 2019, the Pakatan Harapan Government collapsed after then-Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad quit, following Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia’s (Bersatu) decision to leave the coalition with 10 other PKR lawmakers.
Since then, Pakatan had suffered a series of defections, especially from PKR, weakening the Opposition bloc’s hold at Dewan Rakyat.
On that note, Pappa Raidu assured Ismail Sabri that MPs would welcome such a legislation, unless they have ill intention against his leadership.
Asset declaration, IPCMC
He added that should anyone want to leave their party while holding an elected seat, a by-election should be called in order to allow voters to decide whether to retain the incumbent or elect a new leader.
“The anti-hopping law will give our country a new lease in life, providing the Government has enough strength to continue with its nation building agenda instead of worrying of incessant politicking.
“At the end of the Government’s tenure, let the people decide whether they want to continue with your administration or otherwise using the ballot box,” he stressed.
On related matter, Pappa Raidu also called upon the Government to enact legislation to compel electoral aspirants to declare their assets, unlike the current policy where it is done on a voluntary basis.
However, the NGO leader was against public declaration of assets but was supportive of making the information available to Government agencies for better monitoring.
“I think it’s best we can compel those aspiring to stand for election to declare their assets to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), the agency dedicated to combatting graft,” Pappa Raidi mentioned.
He remarked: “The Government should also enact the Independent Police Complaints of Misconduct Commission Act (IPCMC) to deal with deaths in custody and allow Opposition leaders to helm it.” – Aug 23, 2021
