Jump and pay millions, PPBM mulls contract for candidates

(FMT) – PPBM is studying a plan to bind its candidates with a contract to ensure they do not leave the party after winning at the next polls.

The party’s Supreme Council member Tariq Ismail said the move, if implemented, could also protect Pakatan Harapan (PH) if it wins the next general election.

“We don’t want those elected under our banner to jump to Barisan Nasional (BN), regardless of whether we win or lose the election,” he told FMT.

He said it was possible that the MPs from PH would be offered money to switch camps.

“That’s why it was proposed that they sign a contract saying if they do jump ship, it will cost them money.”

Tariq said the party is proposing a penalty of RM20 million.

If approved, the party’s lawyers will be consulted to determine if the amount is reasonable, he added.

It is understood that PKR had a similar contract signed by its candidates in the run-up to the 2013 polls, under which a defecting member must compensate the party a certain amount.

A similar contract by PAS has ensured its elected members remain in the party, including in Kelantan where it was ruling by a mere three-seat majority following the 2004 election.

The controversial contract, among others, pegs elected PAS members to their marriage, where they are required to divorce their wives if they choose to leave the party.