LAWMAKERS who wish to switch parties must resign, and constituents must be allowed to vote again, said electoral watchdog Bersih 2.0.

The group’s statement followed Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s confirmation that he recently met Sarawak Governor Abdul Taib Mahmud as reported by several newspapers, which had sparked rumours of a Barisan Nasional-Pakatan Harapan merger in the state.

“If elected representatives wish to change their position with regard to the party that they represent, then they must resign and vacate their posts, and allow voters to decide on their new choice of representatives,” said Bersih.

It said any changes to Sarawak BN will require fresh elections to be held.

“With regard to Sarawak, in the 2016 state elections, voters gave their mandate to BN to form the state government. Any changes in position or the coalition in the state should be done via a fresh election process.”

Bersih said its stand is that it is against elected representatives switching parties after the elections.

“This is against the principle of elections, where representatives are chosen by voters on the basis of party affiliations, principles and manifestos.” – May 12, 2018.