THREE weeks have passed since the 15th General Election concluded. All the brouhaha surrounding the issue of forming the government is done and dusted.
The anticipation and continued confusion surfaced by some parties have been silenced as the King gives his consent for the new government under the leadership of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Nevertheless, there are some whispers questioning the effectiveness of the Anti-Hopping Act that came into force just before the general election was called.
Though this law played a critical role in hindering any member of Parliament from switching parties during the period of the hung parliament and causing further chaos, but does this law has the potential to eventually have a significant impact on silencing democratic voices in the near future?
Does not this law, directly or otherwise, provide wide and extensive powers to a few leaders in their respective political parties?
At a glance, this law indeed seems to prevent another Sheraton Move that infamously collapsed a legitimate government in 2020. However, it could also be a double-edged sword.
The anti-hopping law could be misused or even to the extent of abused by selfish and self-centered party leaders against their party members who may not be in sync with the leadership direction.
In a democratic system the people depend on their elected representatives who are expected to have their own stand and possess the courage to speak for the benefit of the masses. Not those who are merely yes men to those in power in the party.
But with this law in place, such voices may be muted in order not to offend party leaders and safely keep their chair in the august house. Maybe the anti-hopping law needs to be re-examined in great detail to limit the powers of the few in a political party.
We as voters do not want a situation whereby “the boss knows it all” happening as it will only frustrate the people eventually.
Anyways, we leave it to the wisdom of the Government to reevaluate the law. — Dec 11, 2022
Narinder Pal Singh is the Parti Warisan Communication Chief for KL & Selangor.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
