Speaker's decision undermines the objectives of the anti-hopping law – Ideas
Any deviation from the law could jeopardise the stability we seek to achieve and erode public trust in our democratic institutions.
SHAH ALAM - Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul's decision to retain six former Members of Parliament from Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) after their memberships were revoked is perceived as potentially undermining the objectives of the Anti-Party Hopping Act.
The Institute of Democracy and Economic Affairs (Ideas) chief executive officer Dr Tricia Yeoh said that this development could erode public confidence in the democratic process.
She said that Ideas emphasised the importance of adhering to the Anti-Party Hopping Act implemented in 2022 to ensure political stability and safeguard the role of the opposition in Parliament.
"This law is fundamental to maintaining trust in the democratic system. It was created to prevent elected representatives from switching parties for personal gain, which could destabilise the government and undermine voter confidence.
"Any deviation from its principles could jeopardise the stability we seek to achieve and erode public trust in our democratic institutions," she said in a statement on Friday.
Further commenting, Tricia highlighted the need for transparent communication regarding such crucial decisions to the public.
"The bargaining that occurs to persuade MPs to switch allegiance not only undermines trust in our institutions but exposes democracy to a culture of political patronage.
"We are concerned that the Speaker's decision in the Dewan Rakyat may set a wrong precedent, where similar cases in the future may go unpunished," Tricia added.
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