‘Political parties should stop party-hopping’
There is no need for a legislation to stop politicians crossing over to another party, says a BN leader.
Hawkeye, FMT
GEORGE TOWN: There is no need to enact an anti-party hopping legislation to curb political defections in Malaysia, said a state Barisan Nasional leader.
Instead, each political party in the country can draft its own set of internal guidelines to prevent or discourage any form of party hopping, said Penang BN information head Dr Loga Balan Mohan here.
The participation of all political entities would put a stop to the fear of “political defections”, which, if left unchecked, may cause untold damage to the country’s electoral system, Loga said.
Loga said this in the wake of a proposal by Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng to draft and pass a legislation to make it illegal for any one to cross over to other parties once they are elected by voters as their representatives in either state or parliamentary seats.
The DAP secretary-general made this suggestion after a series of statements by DAP chairman Karpal Singh, who had single-handedly voiced his displeasure over politicians defecting to the other side.
The onus is on all political parties to play their part to prevent defections and they should do it soon if they are sincere in serving the people instead of just seeking power, Loga said.
He said DAP is famous for coining populist policies, but they lack the vision, or the courage to make it a reality.
“DAP must be realists and adopt practical policies. They cannot be hoodwinking people with unrealistic demands and if such policies do not materialise, they often shift the blame to BN instead of themselves. They are already in power here,” Loga said in reference to Lim’s push for an anti-party hopping law.
Form of incitement
Certain quarters here have also shot down the proposed legislation, saying it is undemocratic as it goes against an individual’s freedom of choice to select whom he or she wants to be associated with.
Loga said DAP has in the past also absorbed Umno, MCA or Gerakan members into its ranks.
“Why the sudden change of heart? Is it because the general election is near. DAP has shown its true colours by making an unprincipled stance. They change whenever they feel they can win support.”
