KOTA KINABALU: The Federation of Chinese Associations Malaysia (Huazong) has hoped that the proposed anti-hopping law will be endorsed by policymakers from both sides of the divide, when it is tabled in the Parliament, this month.
Its President, Tan Sri T.C Goh said this would better reflect our democracy.
He also hoped that once the said legislation is passed in the Parliament, the various state governments too would follow suit to pass similar law, or to make necessary amendments to the relevant law which they have existingly, in accordance to the one passed in the Parliament. This is in order to ensure that both the relevant Federal and state laws are consistent with each other to better prevent policymakers, at federal and state levels, from switching political parties.
He acknowledged that a vast majority of Malaysians are hoping that the passing of the anti-hopping law would effectively stop the unhealthy political trend of elected representatives hopping from one political party to another one; such elected representatives are commonly known as “political frogs” and they are much despised by the people.
Goh who is also President of the Federation of Chinese Associations Sabah (FCAS) said this while speaking at the handing over of Huazong’s RM20,000 cash aid for the flood victims (to be distributed through FCAS), at the Kampung Nelayan Restaurant in Bukit Padang here, on Monday. Also in attendance were Goh’s spouse Puan Sri Joanne Ho, FCAS vice presidents, David Chan, Kapitan Lim Vun Chan, and Kapitan Fung Chun Fatt, among others.
Goh reminded that the proposed anti-hopping legislation is one of the key consensuses reached between the government and policymakers from both sides of the divide, when signing the memorandum of understanding (MoU) for transformation and political stability.
He went on to note that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob had during the recent meeting with opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, on 1 March, promised that the proposed anti-hopping law will be tabled in the Parliament, within this month.
“The proposed anti-hopping law has been much anticipated not only by the policymakers of both sides of the divide, but also by a vast majority of Malaysians. Hence, it is hoped that it could be successfully passed in the Parliament, soon, and for it to be implemented, as soon as possible after this,” he said.
He was also optimistic that the technical committee comprising of policymakers from both sides of the divide, which was established following the signing of the MoU on transformation and political stability, would give its endorsement for the proposed new laws which include the anti-hopping legislation
He added that Huazong also fully supported the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s advice to government and the Opposition MPs, in the royal address to kick-start the 5th session of the 14th Malaysian parliament sitting recently, urging them to preserve the political understanding inked last September i.e. to unite and avoid excessive politicking.
“We in Huazong fully concurred with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s call urging politicians in the country to always work in the best interest of the nation and its rakyat,” he concluded.
