THE decision to accept opposition MPs must be made collectively by the Pakatan Harapan top leadership to ensure that the ruling pact does not become a haven for political offenders, said Amanah No. 2 Salahuddin Ayub.

“Most of them will join out of personal interests. We have to be careful, so that PH does not become a destination for those we call ‘political refugees’,” said the Pulai MP.

Salahuddin said rumours that 40 lawmakers from Umno have expressed interest in joining Bersatu will be discussed at the PH presidential council meeting next week.

“Right now, it’s important for PH to defend its principles, and everything will be discussed in detail.

“At the PH presidential council meeting next week, we will look at the reasons (they have for wanting to join).”

PKR lawmaker Johari Abdul confirmed that there will be a discussion among PH members on the issue of party-hopping.

“Depending on the situation, we are not discussing the matter right now, but wait for a new decision. I will comment then.”

PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man had condemned the act of MPs who switched parties, and urged the government to enforce an act to stop this from happening.

“We have to respect the people who chose us and our parties. To me, the act of switching parties is a betrayal of the party and the people.”

The Bachok MP had described party-hopping as unethical.

“They got a clear mandate in the general election that the people didn’t choose them, but the party,” he said of the 40 lawmakers from Umno.

Tuan Ibrahim had said PAS would not accept “even one” party-hopper.

DAP lawmaker Ramkarpal Singh, in a statement today, said the culture of accepting crossover MPs – be they from Umno or other parties – is abhorrent and a betrayal of the mandate given to PH.

He said the 40 from Umno had done nothing to stop the previous Barisan Nasional government’s corruption and wrongdoings, therefore, they should not be allowed to join PH. – November 1, 2018.