PM assures anti-hopping laws will be tabled during Ramadan, DAP's Loke says

23 Mar 2022 08:30pm

DAP's Anthony Loke says the opposition will defend the MoU between them and the government if promises are kept.

KUALA LUMPUR - DAP strongman Anthony Loke says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob has given his commitment to call for a special Parliamentary sitting to table and pass the anti-party hopping Bill.

DAP's newly appointed secretary-general Anthony Loke said the prime minister has given his commitment to call for a special Parliamentary sitting during the fasting month, and before Hari Raya.

"For us as long as the government keeps its promise to bring the Bill to Dewan Rakyat, we will defend the MoU (memorandum of understanding),” Loke told reporters at the Dewan Rakyat.

He also said that the Opposition’s stand to reject the extension of the 28-day detention period under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act (Sosma) 2012 does not affect the MoU between Pakatan Harapan (PH) and the government.

Earlier today, the motion gain more votes against the government, after 86 MPs voted against and 84 voted for the extension. The remainder 50 MPs were absent.

Loke said "it was a historical day" as a government's motion was rejected at the House.

"This does not mean we (opposition) have violated MoU as Sosma is not related to the MoU," he said, adding that the agreement between both parties focuses on the annual budget and confidence vote for the current administration.

Furthermore, he said there were no negotiations with the opposition over Sosma. "So we are free to take our stand," he added.