IPOH: Allowing members of parties from the same coalition to switch allegiances would send the wrong message to younger members, says Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.
The Perak Mentri Besar said political parties should prevent their members from going to another coalition party, which could manifest into an unhealthy culture.
"As a politician, my view is that for any coalition, it's better not to let it (switching of parties) happen.
"It will sow suspicion and distrust between one another," he said in a press conference after attending the Perak Cooperatives Movement appreciation ceremony here on Monday (Dec 16).
"If we don't stop it, it'll become a culture and (sends) a wrong signal to the younger generation... we cannot allow it," said the state Umno chairman.
"Some party members would also feel that they need not stay loyal to a party," he added.
Saarani had been asked to comment on Investment, Trade, and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz's potential move to leave Umno and join PKR.
Tengku Zafrul had in April this year resigned as the Selangor Umno treasurer, citing differences with the state leadership.