Monday March 24, 2008
DAP backs anti-hop plan
PENANG: DAP will support Barisan Nasional’s anti-hop law proposal if it is tabled in Parliament, its national chairman Karpal Singh said.
“Barisan just needs the support of eight more MPs to pass the proposal. We have 28 MPs.”
In 1992, the High Court ruled an anti-hop law unconstitutional as it contravened the freedom of association provision enshrined in the Federal Constitution. A constitutional amendment, needing two-thirds majority, will be needed to pass such a law.
“We also don’t welcome renegades defecting to DAP,” said Karpal Singh. “The trust of the voters is sacred. There must be honour among the representatives who won under the Barisan ticket.”
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Saying thank you: Karpal Singh and Seri Delima assemblyman R.S.N. Rayer (left) thanking voters at the Air Itam market yesterday. |
On Saturday, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Zaid Ibrahim said he would propose a law to ban “party-hopping” after PKR adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim alleged that some Barisan MPs might cross over to the Opposition.
In ALOR STAR, Anwar said the proposal showed that the Barisan Government was scared its elected representatives would cross over to the Opposition.
“A person who wants to cross over will not wait for the law to be passed. Is there anyone who wants to cross over?” he asked newsmen after meeting with Kedah Mentri Besar Azizan Abdul Razak here yesterday.
In KOTA KINABALU, the Sabah Progressive Party welcomed the proposal as it was good for the political culture of the country.
SAPP president Datuk Yong Teck Lee said the Federal Government should look at Article 18 of the Sabah State Constitution.
It says an assemblyman must vacate his seat “if he resigns or is expelled, or for any reason whatsoever ceases to be a member of, the political party of which he is a member.”
In KUALA LUMPUR, Gerakan acting head Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon said it was unfair for voters when their representatives switch parties.
“Representatives are elected based on their parties' principles. Party-hopping means abandoning what the people have voted for,” Dr Koh said.
Speaking at a press conference after the Gerakan Briefing and Dialogue yesterday, he said that voters' choice should be respected.
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