PUTRAJAYA should be forthright in tabling the anti-party hopping bill and not hide behind frivolous excuses, said Petaling Jaya MP Maria Chin Abdullah.

The lawmaker in a statement said there needs to be more political will to ensure the bill is enacted as a law, and MPs are given a fair chance to debate the issue in detail.

“There needs to be more political will to see through this bill and determination to give MPs a fair chance to debate and deliberate this constitutional amendment in detail, as it will change the face of politics in Malaysia for years to come.

“The current government must be sincere and not hide behind frivolous excuses in tabling the bill.

“By the looks of it, this amendment will not be enacted into an act before the next general election, which looms very soon.”

Law Minister Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar yesterday said the reason for the deferment is because the “party-hopping” definition needs more study.

He said the special sitting will go ahead with the tabling of a constitutional amendment to facilitate the bill at a later date.

He expressed frustration over the cabinet’s decision to defer the tabling of the bill for the second time, saying that he has been working on the bill for eight months.

Maria acknowledged the circumstances surrounding the anti-party hopping bill, such as giving too much power to political parties.

For that, there is a lot to be debated, she added, emphasising that she supports the draft law despite its weaknesses.

“As I understand it, the bill punishes individuals who leave the party and those sacked by the party. It will be perceived as giving too much power to political parties.

“For instance, if an individual is sacked because he/she took a vote of conscience, say voted against a bill or speaks out if the party breaks its manifesto, he/she has to vacate their seat and re-election will take place. This gives too much power to party leaders and discourages independent thinking.

“I am in support of the bill despite its weaknesses. It is time we stopped irresponsible elected representatives who think they can decide to change allegiance in exchange for enticements.”

Prior to Wan Junaidi’s announcement, Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob assured the opposition that Parliament will sit to debate the bill on April 11. – April 8, 2022.