KUCHING: Every state must be free to explore and design the version of anti-hopping law that contributes towards stable state government and promotes accountability by elected representatives to their constituents.
Bersih Sarawak Chairman Ann Teo said whatever form the finalised version of the federal law on party-hopping will take in due course, must not impose or restrict the individual states to follow or adopt.
“The concern raised by the Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg that it is not for the federal government to decide what law is best for the state, is a justified concern,” she told New Sarawak Tribune when contacted.
Teo believed that most Sarawakians were expecting 31 MPs from Sarawak, who sit as law-makers in the Dewan Rakyat to do their part to be vigilant when it comes to debates, tabling and the passing of any federal law and not just the eventual anti- hopping law.
“Having said that, it is also interesting to note that the Sarawak government including politicians in the ruling parties have yet to propose to look into any form of anti-hopping law that would be suitable for the state of Sarawak,” she added.
On Sunday, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Parliament and Law) Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said Abang Johari had suggested that the proposed anti-hopping law, once passed, must first get the consent from Sarawak before it is extended to the state.
He said the premier had brought up the proposal during an engagement session recently.
