THE anti-hopping law must be expedited following Datuk Zuraida Kamaruddin’s announcement that she was quitting Bersatu to join Parti Bangsa Malaysia (PBM), said UMNO president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Zahid said that Zuraida’s decision made it seem as if elected representatives could switch parties according to their whims and fancies.
“Party-hopping will only disappoint the rakyat and indicates that there is no way of controlling elected representatives who were free to do as they wish,” he said in a statement on his Facebook page.
The Bagan Datuk MP also warned that if an anti-hopping law was not enacted, there would be a lack of confidence in the democratic system and political institutions which will result in a lower voter turnout at the next general election.
“The Prime Minister needs to take this matter seriously and should no longer compromise on those who switch parties,” Zahid remarked.
“There are many other MPs who are loyal to their parties who should be considered to fill the ministerial post held by Zuraida.”
Zuraida announced this morning that she had resigned from the Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin-led Bersatu to join PBM and that she will meet Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob soon to discuss her resignation as the Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister. – May 26, 2022
